Ace the Certified Arborist 2025 Exam – Branch Out to Success!

Lightning protection systems are installed for trees primarily to reduce the risk of damage from lightning strikes. Trees are often tall and may serve as natural lightning rods during storms, making them susceptible to the destructive forces of lightning. When lightning strikes a tree, it can result in significant damage, including bark stripping, internal charring, and even tree death.

Implementing a lightning protection system helps to channel the electrical energy to the ground, preventing the destructive effects on the tree's structure and health. This protective measure can preserve the tree, ensuring its longevity and aesthetic contribution to the landscape while also potentially protecting nearby structures or individuals from secondary fires or injuries caused by lightning strikes.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of lightning protection systems, as they focus on unrelated aspects such as growth rates or disease resistance.