The Houston area is home to thousands of beautiful, healthy trees in our parks, roadsides and in our neighborhoods, and these trees provide many significant benefits to our city. Trees improve our environment through reducing carbon dioxide levels, they offer much needed shade during hot summer months, and they beautify our landscape. We are privileged to have so many native and exotic tree varieties throughout the greater Houston area, which is why it is essential to protect these important assets as best we can.
During the summer months, Houston sees an increase in thunderstorms and severe weather systems, and as a result, there are more lightning strikes in our area. Although Houston area residents will occasionally hear of people or buildings being struck by lightning, the most common victims of lightning strikes are our trees. Because of the large population of tall trees in our area, many trees are struck by lightning, and the impact of these lightning strikes is often devastating.
With a single bolt of lightning, a tree can easily be destroyed as millions of volts of electricity pass through the tree at a temperature of over 40,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This massive burst of heat and power causes water within the tree to immediately steam out, wood strips and bark to explode off the tree and branches, and any sap within the tree to instantly reach boiling point. The severity of lightning strikes can often cause significant tree damage, and most likely tree death.
The cost of repairing or removing a tree impacted by a lightning strike can be significant and painful, particularly if the tree is a beloved piece your property or community. Rather than lose healthy, vibrant and beautiful trees to lightning strikes, there are preventative steps tree owners and tree lovers can take to protect these natural treasures for generations to come.
A lightning protection system protects trees through diffusing the amount of electrical surge between storm clouds and the ground, thus preventing the tree from sustaining a direct lightning strike. Instead, electricity passes harmlessly to the ground and does not impact the vulnerable root system. In addition, a lightning protection system also works to decrease the likelihood of side flashes that can also cause damage to nearby trees, buildings, property and people.
If you are concerned your trees may be victim to lightning strikes, then protect the health and longevity of your trees through lightning protection services from Embark Services. The Certified Arborists of Embark Services will first assess your existing trees and make recommendations on how to strengthen your tree health through tree trimming, deep root fertilization or irrigation. Then their Certified Arborists utilize high-quality materials and industry-leading installation techniques to ensure your trees are well protected from lightning strikes. Contact Embark Services today for more information, or request a consultation online.
