You know never to stand under a tree during lightning, but why is that? What happens when a tree is struck by lightning, and what should you do when it happens?
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the impact lightning has on your trees, the potential external and internal tree damage it can cause, and the steps you should take to enhance a tree’s chances of survival.
What Does Lightning Do to Your Tree?
It’s quite common for lightning to strike your trees, mainly because of their height and their moisture and water content, which act as electricity conductors during thunderstorms.
Some trees are more prone to lightning strikes than others, depending on how conductive they are. For example, pine and oak trees tend to be more susceptible to damage due to their high starch and resin content. Trees with deep roots are also more susceptible, as these provide a more favorable path for lightning strikes.
While lightning strikes are more of a risk in some trees, any tree can be struck, and the results can be devastating.
What happens when a tree is struck by lightning? For starters, since lightning temperatures can reach up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, a lightning strike instantly turns the water inside your tree into steam. When this happens, it causes rapid expansion, which leads to the bark splitting or peeling off.
What To Do When Lightning Strikes Your Tree
Here’s what you should do when lightning strikes your tree.
Evaluate the Tree
First, check for electrical injury symptoms. This entails looking for:
- Stripped bark and exposed wood
- Wood fragments
- Deep-seated splits
- Precariously hanging branches
Keep in mind that your tree might not immediately show signs of damage. Therefore, it helps to be on the lookout for discolored or droopy leaves or disruption in the soil a few days after the lightning strike.
Hire an Expert To Conduct a Tree Survival Assessment
Yes, lightning can cause severe damage to your tree. However, it is still possible for your tree to heal and recover on its own. This depends on the severity of the damage and the tree’s ability to regrow.
Turning to professional tree services in Jacksonville, FL, is the best way to determine if your tree can survive. A certified arborist will assess the tree, offering ideal preservation options like hazardous limb removal, selective pruning, and mulching.
Continuously Monitor the Tree
If the tree is salvageable, you’ll need to monitor its health continuously. It’s especially vital to keep a close eye on the tree’s exposed wounds because they can attract pests and diseases.
Get Professional Storm Damage Care for Your Tree
Understanding what happens when a tree is struck by lightning can help you know the immediate steps to take. Consulting a professional tree service can also be beneficial.
Whether you need help repairing a cracked tree trunk or removing the tree entirely, we’ve got your back. Call Eagerton Tree Service today at (904) 823-3090 for reliable tree services in Jacksonville, FL.
