Need a tarp to cover and get rid of your old Christmas tree? First, you’ll need to strip the Christmas tree of all its decorations and lights. Then, make sure the base or the pot of the Christmas tree is clear. Make sure there are no pine needles on or around the base. There may be some pine needles spread across your living room as well. Clear them up.
Most people buy Christmas trees around Thanksgiving. That’s when most tree farms offer discounts and host sales. That’s also the right time to buy vinyl tarps and launch your preparations to get rid of the Christmas tree. But, what size tarps should you order? Measuring the length and width of the tree isn’t enough as it’s a 3-dimensional object.
To determine what size tarps, you’ll need to cover and transport your Christmas tree, take the following steps –
- Measure the length and width of your Christmas tree. Since these trees point upwards, it’s always better to overestimate their length and width.
- Now, determine how far down the sides of the Christmas tree you want the tarp to curtain over and cover. Some people only want to cover the tree from the side (e.g., when laying it down on a pick-up truck). Others want to wrap it all the way around, down to the ground. The latter is the safer option as the tarp will completely encompass your tree and offer maximum safety during transport.
- Measure from the top of the Christmas tree down as far as you want your tarp to cover it. Double this figure. That means if your Christmas tree is one meter tall, you’ll need a 2-meter-long or wide tarp. That means the surplus regions of the 2-meter tarp can cover the Christmas tree from all sides.
Working with slightly larger tarps is always the better option. Oversized tarps are cheap. Tarp remnants and rags can be used in other situations. Tarps are also cheap, so buying slightly larger tarps won’t affect your budget too much. Once you’ve ordered and received the right-sized vinyl tarp, it’s time to start wrapping your old Christmas tree.
Covering the Christmas Tree
Before starting the wrapping/covering process, use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate debris, pine needles, etc., from the floor. You’ll need to lay the tarp on the floor. Sharp debris like pine needles can cause small holes in the tarps. After you’re done cleaning, take the following steps –
- Wear protective gloves.
- Remove all ballasts at the base of the Christmas tree.
- Spread out the tarp on the floor.
- Lift the tree from the base; lay it on the tarp as gently as possible.
- If the tree sheds, get rid of all debris that is caught by the tarp.
- Roll the Christmas tree into the tarp.
- Once the tree is rolled up inside the tarp, fasten and secure the cover with bungees, ropes, or wires.
Strap the tarp-covered tree to the roof of your vehicle and drop it off at the closest recycling point. The workers there will return your tarp. You can use this tarp to secure and transport your Christmas tree the next year!
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