What purpose does a lightning protection system serve?

A lightning protection system is specifically designed to redirect lightning safely away from the tree and into the ground, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the tree and its surroundings. When lightning strikes, the enormous electrical energy can cause severe injury or death to a tree, leading to bark scorch, internal charring, or even splitting of the tree. The protection system typically consists of a network of conductors and grounding rods that provide a safe path for the electrical discharge, ensuring that the energy does not affect the tree's structure or health.

The other options reflect benefits unrelated to the primary function of a lightning protection system. For example, deterring animals from climbing the tree, improving water drainage, and strengthening the roots do not relate to lightning mitigation. Each of these functions addresses different issues concerning tree health and maintenance, not the safety of trees during lightning strikes. Thus, understanding the purpose of a lightning protection system emphasizes the importance of safeguarding trees from the destructive power of lightning.