Did you know that lightning can cause serious damage to your trees? It is important to be aware of the dangers that lightning poses to your trees and take steps to protect them. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of lightning and how to protect your trees from it.
P.S. The team at Best Tree Removal will take care of all your needs when it comes to removing trees from the property. You can find a listing for local tree removal companies in this area on our website, with extensive information about their services and qualifications!
The Dangers Of Lightning Strikes On Trees
Trees are one of the most common natural objects to be struck by lightning. Data from the United States suggests that around 25% of all strikes hit trees. While this may not seem like a lot, it’s important to remember that there are a lot of trees in the world. This means that every year, there are millions of potential strikes on trees.
When a bolt of lightning hits a tree, the electrical current can cause serious damage. The intense heat can cause the bark to char, and the water inside the tree to vaporize. This can lead to internal stresses that can split the trunk or branches.
In addition, lightning strikes can cause fires, split the tree trunk, and damage the roots. In addition, lightning-struck trees are often more susceptible to insect infestation and disease. While most trees will recover from a lightning strike, repeated strikes can weaken the tree and make it more likely to die.
How To Protect Your Trees From Lightning
It is important to take steps to protect trees from lightning strikes during thunderstorms. The first step is to choose the right location for your trees. When possible, Plant them away from open fields and other areas that are exposed to high winds. Lightning typically strikes the tallest objects in an area, so taller trees should also be planted further away from buildings and other structures.
One is to ensure that they are properly grounded. This can be done by driving metal rods into the ground around the tree at least eight feet deep.
In addition, consider adding Lightning protection devices, such as Lightning rods or mesh nets, to vulnerable trees. These devices can help to dissipate the electrical charge from a lightning strike before it has a chance to do serious damage.
Another way to do this is to remove dead or damaged branches that could act as conductors for electricity. This is because when lightning strikes a tree, it often does so through the branches. By removing these branches, you can reduce the risk of damage to the tree. In addition, trim back any branches that extend over open areas such as driveways or walkways. This will help to prevent them from being struck by lightning that would otherwise hit the ground in these areas.
What To Do If A Tree Falls In Your Yard
If a tree falls in your yard, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. First, make sure that the area around the tree is clear of people and animals. Then, call your local utility company to report the fallen tree and have them send someone out to assess the damage. If the tree has fallen on power lines, do not attempt to move it yourself. Wait for the utility company to arrive and shut off the power before attempting to remove the tree.
Once the area is safe, you can begin cleanup. If the tree has damaged your home or other buildings, call a professional tree removal company to remove it. Otherwise, you can cut it up yourself and use the wood for firewood or other purposes.
Conclusion
Lightning is a danger to trees, but by taking the proper precautions, you can help to protect your trees from this hazard. By following the tips in this blog post, you can keep your trees safe during thunderstorms and avoid the potential damage that lightning strikes can cause.