What is a common preventive measure for protecting trees from lightning strikes?

Installing lightning rods is a commonly accepted preventive measure for protecting trees from lightning strikes. Lightning rods function by providing a conductive path for the electrical discharge to follow, thus diverting the strike away from the tree and reducing the risk of damage. When a lightning strike occurs, the rod allows the electrical energy to flow harmlessly into the ground, protecting the tree and minimizing potential harm to surrounding structures and landscapes.

In contrast, planting trees in dense forests does not offer any protection against lightning strikes; rather, it could increase the likelihood of lightning hitting the tallest objects in the area. Applying pesticides is unrelated to lightning protection and focuses on pest control, while topping trees, which involves cutting off the tops or upper parts, can actually harm trees and make them more vulnerable to various stressors, including lightning. Therefore, installing lightning rods stands out as the most effective and direct method for safeguarding trees from the destructive effects of lightning.