Tree Lightning Protection

Protecting trees from lightning can be a daunting task. Lightning damages and kills more trees than we can account for in the U.S.  A single bolt of lightning can carry 300 million volts of electricity, so unless a tree is equipped with a tree lightning protection system (LPS), it can be extremely vulnerable to damage. Lightning can injure the tree from a direct hit or side flash (lightning jumping from a nearby object), and problems can vary from light limb damage—to total annihilation.

Tree Lightning Protection

Since few trees survive a direct lightning strike, it’s good insurance for property owners to consider tree lightning protection for vulnerable trees, specimen trees, historic trees or trees over public shelters. Our comprehensive approach to tree protection employs U.L. listed lightning protection materials and NFPA 780 safety standard guidelines. Our expert arborist and tree technicians provide the best-in-class installation for state-of-the-art lightning protection systems. Give us a call today for more information on protecting your trees from nature’s destructive hazard.

If you need to get a quote on protecting either a single trees or multiple trees from lightning strikes, either call us at 804-272-1627 or visit our Quick Quote page to request an in-person quote!

Tree Lightning Protection

Tree Lightning Protection

Lightning protection companies are well aware of the devastating impact that lightning strikes can have on trees, including their roots, trunk, and branches. As a result, they employ a variety of methods to protect trees from these lightning strikes that may damage or destroy the tree completely.

One of the most common methods used by tree lightning protection contractors is the installation of lightning rods in and around trees. These rods are designed to attract lightning strikes away from tree trunks and branches and safely channel the electrical current to the ground. By redirecting lightning strikes away from trees, these lightning protection systems can help to minimize or even eliminate damage to the tree and its surrounding environment.

Another approach that is often utilized by tree lightning protection companies is the use of surge protectors. These devices are installed in the ground around trees and work to dissipate lightning’s massive electrical charge before it can reach the roots of the tree. Like lightning rods, surge protectors can help to prevent serious damage to trees that might otherwise be vulnerable to the effects of electrical discharges.

In addition to these more traditional methods, some lightning protection contractors also use cutting-edge technologies such as electromagnetic shielding and grounding systems. These techniques involve the use of specialized materials and devices that can help to mitigate the effects of electrical discharges in a way that is much more comprehensive and effective than traditional methods.

Overall, the goal of lightning protection companies when it comes to trees is to create a safe and secure environment that can withstand the tremendous forces of lightning strikes. Through the use of advanced technologies, expert knowledge, and proven methods, lightning protection contractors can ensure that trees are protected from the damaging effects of electrical discharges, thereby preserving the health of these essential natural resources for generations to come.

Tips for Preventing Lightning Strikes on Trees

As a lightning protection contractor, we understand the importance of protecting not just properties but the natural environment as well. Trees are a valuable part of our ecosystem, and their destruction by lightning strikes can lead to devastating effects. Here are some useful tips to help you avoid tree damage caused by lightning:

1. Planting and Maintenance: Always plant trees in areas that are less prone to lightning strikes. If you’re planning to plant new trees, it’s best to avoid planting them near tall buildings, metallic fences, or other conductive structures that may attract lightning. Additionally, ensure the trees are consistently pruned to remove dead branches, which tend to attract lightning.

2. Lightning Protection Systems: Installing lightning protection systems is an effective way to reduce the risk of trees getting struck by lightning. These systems typically consist of a series of grounding rods, conductors, and surge protectors strategically installed around the trees, which provide a path for the lightning to follow and disperse its energy harmlessly into the ground.

3. Tree species: Certain tree species are less susceptible to lightning strikes than others. Trees such as oak, beech, gum, and pine are considered to be less prone to explosion and fire damage caused by lightning strikes because of their composition.

4. Distance: In addition to avoiding planting trees near any structures that may attract lightning, it’s also advisable to provide ample spacing between trees. This will help to prevent lightning’s natural upward arc from jumping from one tree to another.

5. Timely Tree Removal: If any trees are infested by termites or similar pests, weaken the tree and increases the likelihood of attracting lightning. It’s prudent to remove these trees as soon as possible.

Following these tips will help ensure that your trees remain protected from lightning damage. At our company, we are committed to preserving the natural landscape and ecosystem, and we encourage our clients to do the same. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist you with protecting your property and natural environment from lightning strikes.

Our Arborist

Our new go-to arborist is Keith with Farpoint Arboriculture. Keith strives to help you make an informed decision about the maintenance of your trees and shrubs that focuses on long-term functionality, beauty, and health. He is a certified arborist with the skill and experience to determine what’s right for your trees. With scientifically sound pruning standards, he’ll keep the integrity of the plant intact – or if determined to be best, safely remove it entirely. So make like a tree and leave us a message – let’s see how Loehr Lightning Protection can help protect your tree’s against weather’s biggest threat, lightning.

Farpoint Arboriculture

We are proud to work with Keith Shanklin, our new go-to arborist!