For some reason, seeing lightning can leave you awe-struck and scared at the same time. It is a powerful force of nature that can also cause devastation to property and even endanger human and animals’ lives.

Lightning strikes can extend as long as five miles and bears millions of electrical volts. Just imagine the devastating impact it can bring when it strikes a property or a tree.

Somewhere around the world, there are at least 1,000 thunderstorms and lightning strikes happening right now. It can strike any structure and property without warning and even cause fires in the worst cases.

One of its most vulnerable “victims” are tall trees, whether these are planted in a forest or in your own property. If your tree has been struck by lightning, make sure to hire tree removal services to avoid further damage to your property.

Is your tree struck by lightning?

There are instances wherein you do not realize that a tree has been struck by lightning. For one thing, lightning damage may seem unnoticeable and minimal. Only then days after, you will see the damage it has incurred due to lightning. In worst cases, the tree may die due to the extensive lightning damage you haven’t initially noticed in the first place.

In such cases, you must find an arborist to determine whether the tree can still be saved. Otherwise, you may have to call tree services for proper tree disposal. In the US, it is said that thousands of trees are getting struck by lightning. The majority of these trees that fall victim to lightning strikes are those in private property.

Nonetheless, lightning strikes can create a negative impact on your yard. Still, there are ways you can do to protect your trees from lightning. But before that, you need to confirm first if your tree is actually damaged by lightning. These signs you need to look for are the following:

• Signs of holes and charring on the tree bark
• Burnt and broken tree branches
• Signs of wilting and loses its flexibility and color, which then turn brittle later on
• Presence of a split down at the center of the tree

In some cases, tree splinters or gets torn in the middle the moment lightning hits it. On the other hand, there are some without exterior signs of damage, yet signs of lightning damage appear days later. In such cases, it may be a good idea to hire emergency tree services to dispose of the tree properly.

Tree protection against lightning strikes

Not only there are lightning protection systems for structures, but also for trees. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to protect trees against lightning. Moreover, there are trees that especially need extra protection due to their specific reasons.

Among those kinds of trees that need special protection are the following.

• Trees located in parks and recreational areas
• Trees with historical value
• Trees isolated or are located in an open area

There are also some tree types that are more susceptible to lightning strikes, such as:

• Maple
• Oak
• Pine
• Tulip poplar
• Gum
• Beech

How does a lightning protection system work?

For tree protection against lightning strikes, you need to hire tree services. As mentioned, there are lightning protection systems that are specially made to protect trees against lightning. Professional arborist services will be the one to take care of the installation of the protection system.

A lightning protection system consists of a long copper material that extends from the tree’s top to the ground. There is also a metal plate or rods that are placed slightly away from the tree. When lightning strikes, its electrical charge will then dissipate into the ground.

It may be expensive for some, but consider it as a major investment. If you have a tree that has historical significance, the more it should be protected against the forces of nature. More so, it should be protected if there are pruning works done to the tree.

When your tree gets struck by lightning

Trees do provide a lot of benefits for homeowners. That is why it is only right to provide the care and maintenance it deserves. However, we cannot stop the forces of nature such as storms and thunderstorms. But at least, there are ways to lessen the effects of these natural weather systems.

Hiring tree care professionals can also help a lot as well. For your tree care and maintenance needs, make sure to call only trusted arborist services in Montgomery County.