Among the victims of the frequent storms that have ravaged Butler County this summer are trees, which can be blown down by harsh winds or even struck by scattered lightning.

First responders are often dispatched to sites of fallen trees to help with removal, but Mark Jessen, owner of Jessen Tree Service, said this summer has not seen a serious uptick in business for him.

“The tree industry is booming in Butler,” Jessen said. “We’re not any more busy than normal.”

Fallen trees can create serious problems when they hit utility poles or wires. They can cause power outages to nearby facilities, or even catch fire from extended heat.

Todd Meyers, spokesman for West Penn Power, said that while company crews trim brush that surrounds utility wires, trees still pose a threat to nearby electricity customers.

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