Striking at over 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, lightning is a very powerful force of nature with the ability to destroy almost anything. When the heat of a lightning strike mixes with moisture trapped in the tree, that water is instantly changed to steam, which results in an internal explosion from the expanding gas. If a tree on your property is struck by lightning, here’s what you should do …
What To Look For:
How can you tell if a tree was struck by lightning?
- A crack is running though the trunk or it has been split completely
- Large chunks of bark stripped off of the trunk
- Any broken and burnt branches with few or wilted leaves
- The tree itself is on fire – call your local emergency services for assistance right away
What To Do:
Despite its force, a lightning strike does not always kill the tree it strikes. In fact, some trees are able to survive the strike and continue to grow, while others avoid any damage at all. Each tree and strike is different, which means that the result of a lightning strike will not be the same for every tree.
The Tree Has No Damage from Lightning Strike
If your tree avoided damage from the lightning strike, then it should be okay to leave it in place. In these cases, the tree’s exterior has been soaked with rain so much that the lightning didn’t penetrate the inside of the tree. Instead, it cascaded down the tree and into the ground around it. We suggest keeping an eye on the tree for any signs of root damage. Otherwise, there are no major steps to take for its survival.
The Tree Has Died from Lightning Strike
Trees that have been struck and die usually show obvious outward signs of damage. These include a split trunk or obliterated branches. In most cases, these trees already had previous infestations or compromised structures. Because of this, a majority of the water content was held towards the center of the trunk. These trees usually have no chance of coming back to life. And so, we suggest you remove them as soon as possible because they pose a safety hazard.
The Tree Is Damaged from Lightning Strike
Finally, trees that are struck but do not die have the possibility of surviving. You should be sure to give the tree plenty of water and fertilizer. This is necessary to stimulate the regrowth of branches and leaves. It is best to wait a few months before pruning or removing the tree since it will take time for this to take place. It is also important to keep in mind that injured trees risk being exposed to infestations or diseases. This means that you should look for any signs near where the tree was struck – whether it be bark that was stripped away or large branches that broke off.
Contact Us For Help:
If you have a tree that has been struck by lightning, JC Tree Care is here to help with our expert tree and stump removal services, as well as tree pruning services. We also specialize in lightning protection to help prevent your trees from a fatal strike. Give us a call today for more information on dealing with trees that have been struck by lightning (540) 646-4182 or send us a message for a free estimate on lightning protection for your trees: jctreecare.com/contact/