Lightning Protection in Trees

[Mac McLennan]

Anyone know anything about this.

 

It is quite common in the states, but I am struggling to find info on the subject relating to trees in the UK.

 

ie.

Any tree firms offering the service.

What quals do you need for installation.

Who are the trainers.

BS Standards relating to trees.

 

Thought it might be another string to our bow.

[David Humphries]

Anyone know anything about this.

 

It is quite common in the states, but I am struggling to find info on the subject relating to trees in the UK.

 

ie.

Any tree firms offering the service.

What quals do you need for installation.

Who are the trainers.

BS Standards relating to trees.

 

Thought it might be another string to our bow.

 

Haven't had any experience myself, but I have seen first hand the work at Kew on the Chestnut leafed Oak, (Q castaneifolia) and the Redwoods.

 

Try giving Roger Howard a ring at Kew.

I'll pm you his contact.

 

 

 

 

.

[Mac McLennan]

Haven't had any experience myself, but I have seen first hand the work at Kew on the Chestnut leafed Oak, (Q castaneifolia) and the Redwoods.

 

Try giving Roger Howard a ring at Kew.

I'll pm you his contact.

 

 

 

 

.

 

That would be good....Cheers

[Lee Winger]

I know a fair bit about it, never done it though lol. Might add it to our list of services, you got a job lined up then Mac?

 

Ain't no tickets or training available unless i'm in the dark..

[Mac McLennan]

No job Lee.

 

But could be another string to our bow.

[Lee Winger]

Not many customers are willing to pay thats the only problem, lightning protection needs routine maitenance as well. Costs about a £1000 to instal on average and do the job properly..

[Mac McLennan]

Yeah....was thinking more like parks golf courses etc.

[christreeroot]

We import a system from the states called arborbolt..... Is a great system - google arborbolt for details

[Lancstree]

Done it a couple of times in the states in 1998/9 so quite some time ago. From what I remember of it I installed 3 terminals at the three highest points in the crown (I mean as close as humanly possible to the tips but on a sufficient diameter branch). The three terminals had copper wire running down to the main stem where they met and then were run down in as straight as possible line (as electricity takes the path of least resistance). The wire then went underground to an earth pole several meters from the base. For this a narrow trench about 1m deep was dug, with the aid of a stump grinder where possible, then filled back up.

 

I seem to remember the system being invasive because copper 'U' nails were used to tack the cable to the tree so not sure if it is still practised that way or not.

[Mac McLennan]

Arborbolt is actually from the UK (Wales)

 

Search Arborbolt Ltd.....might save a couple of bob.