Transporting a live tree in a pickup truck requires specific knowledge to protect the plant and prevent the load from shifting during transit. The weight of the root ball and the aerodynamic drag of the canopy introduce unique challenges that must be addressed before the vehicle leaves the driveway. Understanding the proper preparation, loading, and securing techniques is the difference between a successful transplant and a dangerous situation on the road.
Preparing the Tree and the Truck Bed
Before loading, the tree must be prepared to withstand motion and wind exposure. For trees sold as “balled and burlap” (B&B) or in containers, the root ball should be thoroughly watered to minimize desiccation during the journey. The root ball, which can weigh hundreds of pounds, must be handled exclusively by the ball itself and never by the trunk. Lifting by the trunk can sever root-to-soil contact and strip bark.
Protecting the crown and foliage is necessary, especially for evergreens or deciduous trees with thin bark. Gently wrapping the canopy with twine or a breathable mesh fabric compacts the branches and reduces wind resistance, which helps prevent breakage and excessive moisture loss. A breathable mesh tarp is preferable over solid plastic, as it allows for necessary airflow and prevents the buildup of heat that could damage the foliage. The truck bed should also be prepared by laying down a protective layer, such as a thick blanket or a sturdy tarp, to prevent the root ball from scraping the bed’s finish.
Loading Techniques and Weight Distribution
The heaviest component of the tree—the root ball—must be strategically positioned to maintain vehicle stability. A balled and burlapped tree with a three-inch caliper trunk can easily have a root ball weighing 750 to 800 pounds, making placement important. The goal is to center the root ball’s weight over or slightly forward of the pickup truck’s rear axle.
Placing the heaviest part near the axle helps distribute the load efficiently, preventing the front steering axle from being too light, which affects steering and braking control. For larger trees, mechanical aids like a ramp, dolly, or a small lift are necessary to safely slide the heavy root ball into the correct position. The tree should be laid on its side with the root ball placed toward the cab, and the trunk should be protected where it rests against the bed sides to prevent bark damage.
Orienting the tree with the crown facing the tailgate is recommended, especially for long trees. This allows airflow to travel over the dense root ball first, minimizing wind damage to the branches. This placement also ensures that the heaviest part of the load is secured against the front of the bed, which is the most stable area for cargo.
Securing the Load for Safe Highway Travel
Once the tree is properly positioned, it must be secured using appropriate restraints that anchor the load to the vehicle’s frame. Ratchet straps are the preferred securing method because they provide superior tension and do not stretch or fail like thin rope or bungee cords. The straps should be attached to the truck bed’s frame-mounted anchor points, which are designed to handle significant force.
One strap should be placed firmly around the root ball and anchored down to the bed to prevent shifting. Additional straps should be placed around the trunk and the main stem, ensuring the tree cannot roll or slide backward during sudden deceleration. The tension should be sufficient to eliminate movement but not so tight as to cut into the tree’s bark or damage the root ball.
If the tree’s branches extend beyond the open tailgate, federal guidelines require that the projecting load not exceed four feet past the rear of the vehicle without proper marking. Any load extending four feet or more beyond the bed must be marked with a bright red or orange flag at the extreme end during daylight hours. For night travel, a red light visible from at least 500 feet is necessary to comply with safety regulations.
A final check of the strap tension should be performed after driving a short distance, as the straps may loosen slightly once the load settles into place. Upon arrival, the tree should be carefully slid out of the truck and immediately unwrapped and watered to minimize stress before planting.