Lightning is a powerful force of nature that can cause tremendous destruction in the blink of an eye. It is one of nature's most powerful elements and can leave your trees vulnerable to long-term damage. Taking proactive steps before lightning strikes can protect your trees from potential harm.
Investing in tree services from an arborist can help safeguard your trees against lightning strikes. An arborist is a trained professional with specialized knowledge of trees and their care, making them ideal for protecting your trees from the ravages of lightning. Keep reading to learn more:
Pruning
Pruning your trees correctly can help minimize the risk of damage during a lightning strike. An arborist can recognize any hazards that may be present in the form of dead, diseased, or broken branches, which can easily become conducting rods that could lead to the tree being destroyed.
Removing any dead or dying branches before a storm can reduce the likelihood of your tree being struck by lightning and help protect it from potential damage.
Lightning Arresters
Lightning arresters are devices that are installed on top of trees to help prevent lightning strikes. They act as a conductor for the electrical current, redirecting it away from the tree and into the ground.
An arborist can recommend an appropriate type of arrester based on the size of your tree. They can also advise on the best location to install the arrester and provide regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that it is in good working order.
Lightning Shielding
If lightning is a regular occurrence in your area, you may consider investing in lightning shielding for your trees. This involves wrapping the tree in an electrically conductive material that acts as a shield and helps protect it from electrical currents.
An arborist can advise on the type of shielding material and how best to install it. They can also provide regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the shielding is in good condition for maximum protection.
Grounding
Grounding your trees can help reduce the potential threat of electricity during a lightning strike. An arborist can install ground wires that will disperse any electrical current away from your tree and into the earth, thus reducing the risk of damage to your tree and anyone near it when lightning strikes.
These are just some tree services an arborist can offer to protect your trees from lightning. Investing in the right protection before a storm arrives is one of the best ways to safeguard your trees against damage. An experienced arborist can help you select and implement the most appropriate measures for protecting your trees from lightning. Contact a local tree service to learn more.