Lightning Protection

Lightning Protection Solutions

Each year, thousands of unprotected trees are struck by lightning throughout the United States. Many of those trees struck are in urban landscapes and can be a life-ending event for the tree or even humans. Can anything be done to protect your trees? YES! Lightning protection systems aren’t just for homes and large buildings. The same principles and many of the same materials can be applied to trees to provide them with a measure of protection against this powerful force.

For over forty years, our Heartwood Tree Care team has provided the best lightning protection for trees to homes across North Carolina, including Charlotte, Asheville, Lake Norman, Mooresville, and Huntersville. With a crew of certified arborists, numerous awards, and countless trees saved, it's no wonder why we're the region's most trusted partner.

Contact us today for lightning protection or any of the other landscaping solutions, including:

The Dangers of Lightning Damage to a Tree

Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to trees. The intense heat generated by the electrical discharge can cause severe damage, including exploded bark, shattered branches, and even trunk splitting. While some trees may appear unharmed, internal damage to the water-conducting tissues can lead to long-term decline and death. Additionally, lightning strikes often strip away protective bark, leaving trees vulnerable to insects and diseases that can further weaken their structure, increasing the risk of falling limbs or complete tree failure.
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FAQs About Lightning Protection

Perks of Tree Lightning Protection Charlotte Residents Should Know

Given the region's susceptibility to thunderstorms, especially during summer months, a properly installed lightning protection system can safeguard lives and valuable assets. These systems redirect lightning strikes safely into the ground, preventing structural damage, electrical fires, and damage to sensitive electronics. Additionally, having lightning protection may lead to insurance discounts and increased property value. By investing in this protective measure, Charlotte homeowners can enjoy greater peace of mind during severe weather events.

Is Lightning Protection Expensive?

A good portion of the cost of a lightning protection system comes from the needed materials. The cost of installing a system will always be less than the cost of removing a struck tree. Lightning protection systems are an investment in your tree that can help protect it for years or decades to come. If some other pruning work is already being done on the tree, it makes sense to explore the option of installing a system at the same time.

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Getting Your Lightning Protection System Installed by Heartwood

At Heartwood Tree Care, our certified arborists follow a scrupulous process to install your tree lightning protection system. We begin with thoroughly assessing your trees and identifying those at the highest risk. Our team then carefully installs copper conductors along the trunk and major branches, making sure they extend at least ten feet below the ground. We also use specialized fasteners that allow for tree growth without damage.

Trusting your tree's protection to a certified arborist is crucial, as improper installation through DIY attempts can cause more harm than good. With a background education in tree biology and in-depth training to safely work at great heights, we know just how to keep your landscape protected.

Maintenance & Repair for Lightning Protection Systems

Heartwood is committed to the long-term protection of your trees. Our maintenance program includes regular inspections to preserve the integrity of your lightning protection system. We’ll check for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Should repairs be necessary, our timber-loving team will rectify the issue to keep your trees fortified against storms.

How Can I Tell if My Tree Has Already Been Struck by Lightning?

Sometimes, people see their tree struck during a storm, but that’s not very common. Most only discover something is wrong the next morning. Lightning generally shows signs that it stopped by for a visit. A long vertical scar running down the trunk of the tree and pieces of bark scattered around the yard are both very common. As the charge from the lightning travels down the tree toward the ground, the water in the tree’s cells heats rapidly, causing an explosion, blowing the bark off the tree and leaving the scar.

What Should I Do if My Tree Has Already Been Struck?

Call an ISA Certified Arborist! Not every lightning-struck tree needs to be removed. Lightning is one of those semi-mystical forces of nature that’s hard to predict. Some struck trees are instantly killed, while others linger on for years with suboptimal health, and others recover just fine and carry on. It’s always a good idea to have a qualified arborist inspect a struck tree to help determine the best course of action. Lightning can be such a powerful force that the structure of the tree is compromised, requiring its removal. Other times, some pruning and therapeutic/preventative treatments can be done to give the tree the best chance of recovery. Lightning-struck trees should be re-inspected yearly to make sure things are going in the right direction.

Call to Learn More About Our Lightning Protection Solutions!

Looking to keep your property safe and sound, even in the face of extreme weather? A lightning protection system is the way to go! To get the most out of this investment, contact us at Heartwood Tree Care for superior installation and ongoing care.
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