Protect High-Value Trees From Lightning Strikes

Tree lightning protection systems installed in Northwest Louisiana to reduce the risk of tree loss during storms and preserve your landscape investment.

If you have a large tree near your home in Shreveport that provides significant shade or sits prominently in your front yard, a direct lightning strike can kill the tree, damage your home, or cause a fire. Storm-prone regions see these losses regularly, and once a tree is struck, the damage is often severe enough that removal becomes the only option.

Rushing's Tree Care LLC installs lightning protection systems on high-value trees throughout Shreveport to reduce the risk of strike-related damage. The system uses a copper conductor anchored in the upper canopy and grounded into the soil, creating a low-resistance path that directs the electrical charge safely into the ground. This protects the tree from internal damage and prevents the strike from jumping to nearby structures.

If you want to protect a valuable tree on your Shreveport property from lightning damage, contact Rushing's Tree Care LLC to discuss installation options.

What a Lightning Protection System Does

When we install a lightning protection system on your tree in Shreveport, we run a copper cable from the highest point of the canopy down the trunk and into the ground at least ten feet away from the tree. The cable is secured with non-invasive clamps that allow the tree to grow without interference, and the grounding rod is buried deep enough to disperse the electrical charge safely.

After installation, you will have peace of mind knowing that your tree is far less likely to suffer catastrophic damage during a thunderstorm. If lightning does strike, the system channels the energy away from the tree and into the ground, leaving the tree standing and intact.

We inspect the system annually to make sure the cable remains secure and the grounding connection is intact. Lightning protection does not prevent strikes, but it does prevent the tree from being destroyed when a strike occurs. This service is most useful for large, mature, or historically significant trees and is not typically installed on smaller or newly planted specimens.

Answers for homeowners considering lightning protection

Many homeowners in Shreveport wonder whether lightning protection is necessary and how effective it really is. These questions cover what you need to know before deciding to install a system.

What types of trees need lightning protection?
Tall, isolated trees near homes or in open areas are the most vulnerable and benefit most from protection. We often install systems on oaks, pines, and other large trees that would be costly or impossible to replace if lost.
How does the system protect the tree?
The copper conductor provides a direct, low-resistance path for the lightning strike to travel from the canopy into the ground. This prevents the electrical charge from exploding the tree from the inside or jumping to your home.
Will the system harm the tree?
No, the cable is attached using clamps that do not penetrate deeply into the wood, and the tree grows around the system naturally. The installation does not restrict growth or damage the bark.
How often does the system need maintenance?
We recommend annual inspections to check the cable connections and grounding rod. If the tree grows significantly or a storm damages part of the system, we repair or adjust it as needed.
Why should I protect a tree instead of just replanting later?
Mature trees take decades to replace and provide shade, property value, and curb appeal that younger trees cannot match. Protecting what you already have is often more practical than starting over after a loss.

Lightning strikes are unpredictable, but the damage they cause is not. Rushing's Tree Care LLC installs lightning protection systems across Shreveport to help you keep the trees that matter most safe through every storm season.