Here in South Carolina, our ancient live oaks and tall pines are a part of our heritage. Not only do we want to protect these magnificent trees from lightning, but once they do become damaged, these trees can become a significant hazard to life and property. It can be hard to judge where a tall pine might fall, and our gracious live oaks cover such a large area that a single tree can damage several buildings at one time. On top of all this, a dead, charred, lightning-struck tree can really detract from the appeal of your home or business. Preventing lightning damage to your trees can help you avoid this damage.

Which Trees are Vulnerable

The trees that most need lightning protection are those located at a high elevation or those that are significantly taller than the surrounding trees. Trees that are close to water are also in increased danger. The University of Virginia also weighed in about the need of lightning protection for trees.

The Lightning Protection Process

Our arborists are experts in tailoring the lighting protection process to your property and the trees you want to protect. While there are variations, the basic process involves running a copper wire from the top of the tree to a grounding rod or plate embedded in the ground. This rod or plate grounds the lightning and allows it to dissipate safely. As the tree grows, its lightning protection systems need to be reevaluated to see if they need to be updated. To correctly install a lightning protection system on a tree, the arborist needs to evaluate the threat, as well as the surrounding structures, and use safety equipment to climb the tree and install the wire. Our tree service professionals are highly qualified to help you preserve the heritage of your prominent trees. With a little help from us, you can enjoy the beauty of the trees on your property, without the safety concerns.