What is the primary risk of not providing lightning protection to trees in open areas?

The primary risk of not providing lightning protection to trees in open areas is indeed the increased likelihood of tree damage or death due to electrical discharge. When trees are the tallest structures in an open area, they become prime targets for lightning strikes. When lightning hits a tree, the extreme heat and energy can cause significant damage, leading to bark stripping, internal tissue destruction, or even the complete loss of the tree.

Providing lightning protection can help to redirect the electrical energy safely into the ground, reducing the potential for damage to the tree. This is vital not only for the survival of individual trees but also for maintaining the ecosystem's balance, as trees play a crucial role in the environment, including providing habitat for wildlife and contributing to air quality. Without proper protection, the risk becomes even more pronounced, particularly in storms with frequent lightning activity.