Tree service professionals of Naples, Florida, share tips for tree health care after a lightning strike.
Steps for Identifying A Tree That Has Suffered A Lightning Strike
As hurricanes and tropical storms enter the Gulf of Mexico and become prominent in the news again, many minds in Florida turn to think about preparing for storms. Lightning is one of those beautiful and dreadful events that can cause major damage to property just as wind and flood waters can. Because trees are often the tallest things in an area, they fall prey to lightning, searching for a way to get to the ground.
Though trees can survive a lightning strike, there is the danger of further damage or injury if the tree is not given the proper care. The three steps of dealing with a lightning-struck tree are discussed in the following paragraphs.
Step 1: Identification of the Strike
The signs of a lightning strike can be extreme or subtle, and it is best to know all the ways a strike can manifest in the tree’s appearance. Obviously, the tree can be completely split down the middle and scorched, but this is only the most extreme case and will require tree removal. Some of the subtler signs are contained in the list below.
- Damage to Roots: This is one of the more subtle effects of a strike. Lightning can course through the tree’s entire vascular system and disturb the soil. If the leaves begin to turn yellow or thin out, this can also be a sign of root damage.
- Evidence from Sap: When the lighting hits, a tree’s moisture flash boils. This means that the sap may harden on the surface of the bark in certain places.
- Bark Splitting: Scorched and cracked areas in the bark (usually in a vertical line) indicate a strike.
- Exposed Wood: Sometimes, the bark will be popped completely off a tree in a lightning strike. This leaves a ribbon of wood exposed to the elements. Scarring or scorching may appear in these areas as well.
- Shattered Limbs: Branches can be splintered by the impact of the lightning. The flash boil of the moisture in the tree literally explodes parts of it.
- Leaf Dropping: If a good portion of the leaves suddenly turn yellow or brown and drop off, this can indicate a strike.
Step 2: Assessing Damage Where Possible
Trees that have been struck by lightning can be a danger to property and to the people around it. The best procedure is to call a professional tree service company and have them perform a tree risk assessment to see what should be done. If it seems safe, then a homeowner can do at least a few things on their own. If they have tree trimming equipment, they may be able to remove damaged branches carefully. A homeowner should not get up into a tree that has been struck because they do not know how stable it is.
Step 3:Tree Care or Tree Removal
If the tree is damaged beyond hope of recovery, then allowing a professional to remove it is the best call. If it can be saved, a certified arborist can still be the one to help. Here are a few of the steps that would be involved in recovering tree health.
- Tree pruning
- Assessing for tree disease
- Applying mulch
- Watering
- Monitoring the tree for further signs of stress
About Any Town Tree
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