Lightning Protection Systems

In less than a blink of an eye, a tree can be destroyed by a single bolt of lightning. It can blow trees apart, strip them of their bark, cause a fire or even cause death or injury to a person or animal standing nearby.

Certain trees have a higher likelihood of being struck more so than others. For example, stand alone trees in open landscapes, or possibly the tallest tree within a specific area, such as trees on a hill.

The best way to protect trees from lightning damage is by having a Lightning Protection System installed. This process involves installing a lightning rod in the tree and grounding it to the earth. This will guide the lightning bolt, should one strike, down to the ground without injuring the tree.

You don't necessarily need to protect every tree on your property, but when you consider the species, maturity, and value of certain trees, it might be wise to protect them with this type of system.

A tree should be protected from lightning for a variety of reasons:

• Valuable historic trees
• Trees located near a structure (typically within 10 feet)
• Trees of economic benefit (i.e. heating/cooling costs)

It is common for people during a thunderstorm to seek shelter under trees. Trees in parks, municipal areas, golf courses, or any common grounds where people may have a tendency to gather, are trees that should be considered for lightning protection, as these are areas of refuge during inclement weather.

A lightning protection system is simple in concept. When lightning strikes a tree, a lightning protection system simply allows the lightning bolt to strike an air terminal, which is the highest point of the lightning protection system within the tree and travel through copper conductors connected to a ground rod buried at least 10 to 12 feet in the ground.

A lightning protection system is just that. It protects the tree by allowing the lightning bolt to travel through the copper directly to ground instead of through the tree.

Larger trees may require more than one air terminal. Especially if the tree is multi-stemmed at the trunk, or has a multi-limb large crown.

We always use an air spade when installing the main conductor to the ground rod. This will greatly decrease the chance of root cutting and/or root disturbance.

Once a lightning protection system has been installed it should require regular inspections. 

Call us to get a consultation regarding lightning protection systems today.