Is Lightning Protection Needed for Your Trees

Lightning is a real danger to humans and nature alike. Lightning tends to strike places of high conductivity, making it especially dangerous to trees which are tall and contain a lot of water. In fact, trees are the most common sufferers of lightning strikes. A tree hit by lightning in the past is still in danger in the future, despite the old saying, because lightning can indeed strike the same place more than once. Lightning Protection is a striking need for caring for your trees.

Why protect trees at all?

For special trees, such as those historic in nature or of high value, you’ll want to ensure their safety. A lightning strike can kill a tree or damage it so severely that it becomes susceptible to other dangers, such as disease or an attack by insects.

For trees that are near buildings or integrated within buildings, you’ll want protection, because lightning can jump sideways toward conductive materials. Any jump can damage electrical and other systems. It can also start a fire, endanger occupants.

For any large tree under which people gather, such as in a field or on a golf course, you’ll want to consider protection. A lightning strike can cause falling branches or set a tree on fire, putting people and even nearby wildlife in danger.

How does lightning protection work?

By installing copper conductors in a tree, lightning becomes grounded. We extend conductors from the top of the tree, through the main branches and trunk and out beyond the root zone of the tree. Such a system does not attract lightning, but if struck, it reduces tree damage by conducting the electrical charge to the ground, where it can disperse.

Contact us today for detailed information on how best to protect your trees from lightning strikes. We welcome both commercial and residential clients. It’s our mission to provide high-quality, personalized service to everyone. Trees are our passion!