1)
Survey the tree1)
Survey the tree
2) Design system using the following criteria:
- Species of tree
- Height of tree
- Spread from drip line to drip line
- Trunk diameter at breast height
- Number of braces or cables
- Determine if there are other nearby utility grounds or metallic water pipes
By providing IPC with the above information, we can provide you with an estimated list of material requirements for the specific installation.
Tree protection installation standards require one downlead and ground on tree with a trunk diameter under 3' 0" and two downleads and grounds on trees with trunk diameter over 3' 0".
3) Determine ground rod location or locations beyond the drip line of the tree.
4) Climber ascends the tree to the highest main trunk extension
5) Climber drops a pull-up line for attaching the main standard copper cable with air terminal attached.
6) The parts bag with miscellaneous tools and materials are sent up to the climber.
7) Climber fastens the standard main air terminal on the highest accessible main trunk extension. This air terminal is fastened with copper nails provided.
8) Climber starts down, fastening the main downlead cable with bronze fasteners ever three feet all the way down to grade.
9) The ground crew will drive the 10 foot length ground rod or ground rods in a small ground pit located outside the drip line of the tree. The ground rod is driven into the ground with a special ground rod driver similar to a fence post driver. The ground crew trenches from the ground pit back to the base of the tree.
10) If the tree requires two main air terminals and download cables, a second standard or main point and downlead is located on another high branch or trunk extension of the tree and the downlead is coursed to ground 180 degrees opposite the initial download.
11) Depending on the canopy size of the tree, two to four or more additional air terminals are installed on the main upper branches in a configuration to provide perimeter protection around the entire crown of the tree. Picture this similar to an inverted umbrella so that peripheral protection is provided 360 degrees.
12) Miniature copper cable or branch conductor is attached to each miniature branch air terminal, supported every three feet with bronze drive fasteners coursing back to the main trunk and fastening to the main conductor with a double or side-by-side splicer.
13) If any braces or cabling wires are used in the tree, these need to be interconnected to the main or branch conductor to establish common ground potential.
14) If the tree requires two standard downleads and grounds, these grounds or downleads must be interconnected. This interconnection can be made within the tree or can be done below grade in a semi-circle around the base of the trunk.
15) The ground crew continues to install the downlead cables in the trench(s) or "envelope type slit" of ground surface out to the ground rod(s) and connection made with two-bolt clamp(s).
16) It is important the ground cover over the trench be replaced so the terrain is in its original condition
17) Occasionally, it is desirable to check the ground resistance. A ground ohms resistance tester is used to measure the effectiveness of the individual grounds as well as the complete grounding system.