Tree Lightning Protection Workshop
Location: Willard Hall, Room 010 – Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
Date: Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Check-in: 7:30am
Class: 8:00am – 5:00pm
ISA CEUs: 7.5
Registration Fee: $125 per person
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Course Overview
This full-day training combines classroom instruction with in-field practice to equip arborists and tree care professionals with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to design, install, and maintain tree lightning protection systems.
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Course Agenda
Morning Session – Classroom Training
• Lightning Basics: physics of lightning, sideflash, step voltage
• Tree Lightning Protection Systems (TLPS): objectives, limitations, and tree susceptibility (location, size, species)
• System Components: conductors, connectors, air terminals, fasteners, grounding electrodes, materials, and specifications
• Tools & Equipment: selection, use, and safety considerations (binoculars, multimeters, drivers, pliers, ladders, PPE, etc.)
• Best Practices: arborist/installer qualifications, owner notification, tree protection during installation
• System Design: grounding systems, conductor layout, bonding, aboveground specifications
• Maintenance & Inspection: re-fastening, relocating air terminals, improving grounding in droughts, and addressing lightning-damaged trees
Afternoon Session – Field Training
• Hands-on installation of three complete tree lightning protection systems
• Step-by-step demonstration of conductor installation, fastening, grounding, and air terminal placement
• Practice with specialized tools and testing equipment
• On-site troubleshooting and system inspection
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Required Safety Gear
Participants must bring:
• Hard hat
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Climbing gear (optional, if you wish to participate in in-tree installation)
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Course Highlights
• Expert instruction from Cori Watson, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
• Blend of classroom learning and practical field application
• Gain experience installing full systems under professional guidance
• Earn 7.5 ISA CEUs
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Coffee, breakfast, and lunch will be provided.
For more information, contact Cori Watson at 405-505-5525 or coriw@firestormtree.com