Q: We have had a problem with punks vandalizing our front yard. They drive through every nine months or so. We want to mount a motion detecting floodlight in one of the pine trees. What is the best way to attach conduit and the light without damaging the tree?

A: I usually don’t endorse putting nails or screws into a tree trunk but this is a case where it might be warranted. The pine can pretty easily seal the puncture wounds you make. If you intend this to be a permanent installation, use hanger bolts. One ends screws into the tree while the other end is threaded to mount the conduit clips and floodlight box. Every few years, climb a ladder beside the tree and loosen the attachment nuts so the tree trunk can expand without engulfing the hardware.