Is lightning a frequent problem there? In the spring, we probably average 2 thunderstorms a week. In the summer, up that to 3. I once read that we're in the 2nd-most prolific lightning belt. The storms are not usually uber-violent like those in the prairie states.
>trees
My neighbor's house was originally built as a 'tree house' --up on stilts and nestled in a grove with numberous large trees just inches off the deck and deck pole lights. That house was my lightning protection for a couple of decades. About twice a year, lightning would strike one of those nearby trees, jump to the deck lighting, then usually fry something inside. Subsequent owners have cut the trees that are closeby --and now my yard gets hit. Indications are it is most often the Spectrum cable network that gets hit, but it might jump there after running down a tree.
