What to do When your Tree is struck by lightning
Every year, approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States, with many hitting trees. These natural phenomena are caused by the accumulation and discharging of static electricity in the atmosphere. Although predicting precise locations of strikes is impossible, they tend to target the tallest objects in their vicinity, making trees prime candidates. Understanding the implications of a lightning strike on trees is crucial for anyone with trees on their property.
Fortunately, not all trees struck by lightning are beyond recovery. With the right care and the advice of a certified arborist, many trees can be rehabilitated. This article delves into the steps to take when a tree suffers a lightning strike, the signs to observe, and how to assist in its recovery.
Quick Links:
- Identifying signs of lightning damage in trees
- Immediate steps to take after a lightning strike
- Care strategies for recovering a lightning-struck tree
- Contacting tree care professionals
Identifying Signs of Lightning Damage in Trees
When lightning strikes a tree, the damage can be either glaringly visible or subtly hidden. Regardless of the severity, the event compromises the tree’s structural integrity, health, and safety. To ensure the best chance of recovery, it’s crucial to act quickly and know what to look for. Here are common indicators that a tree has been struck by lightning:
Bark and Trunk Damage
The intensity of a lightning strike can strip bark from the tree in long vertical sections, revealing the wood underneath. This exposure can lead to significant structural issues, including deep cracks or splits that may jeopardize the tree’s stability. In extreme cases, the tree may be entirely debarked.
Branch Injury
Branches can also suffer severe damage during a lightning strike, leading to splintering, shattering, or precarious hanging. These compromised branches pose a risk of falling, which could harm surrounding people or property. Furthermore, damaged branches can disrupt the tree’s balance, increasing the risk of the tree toppling over.
Canopy Wilt or Gradual Dieback
Following a lightning strike, a tree’s canopy might wilt immediately due to the high temperatures involved. This heat can disrupt the tree’s ability to transport nutrients and water effectively. Signs of distress may also appear gradually, with leaves turning brown or falling off over time, particularly in the upper crown.
Leaning or Instability
The root system of a tree acts like an anchor, essential for stability and nutrient absorption. A lightning strike can cause unseen root damage, leading to leaning or instability. Even if the tree appears fine initially, hidden root damage can cause it to gradually shift in its soil, raising the risk of failure and potential death.
Steam Explosions
A phenomenon known as a steam explosion can occur when lightning strikes a tree. The intense heat can rapidly boil the sap and moisture inside the tree, creating steam that results in an explosive reaction. This can lead to visible scars, fractures, and charred areas on the trunk and branches, especially in trees that are already diseased or decaying.
Extreme Heat and Fires
About 15% of wildfires are initiated by lightning strikes, underscoring the danger they pose. A single strike can reach temperatures of up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is an astonishing five times hotter than the sun’s surface. This extreme heat can ignite any part of the tree, including the roots, which may burn underground and spread flames upward. Therefore, closely monitoring trees after a strike is essential, and a professional inspection is highly recommended.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Lightning Strike
When lightning strikes a tree on your property, the primary concern should be the safety of yourself and those nearby. How you respond can significantly affect both the safety of people and the tree’s recovery prospects.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle the situation:
Ensure Safety First
Your top priority should always be safety. After a tree is hit by lightning, maintain a safe distance—especially if it appears to be burning or is close to power lines. There may be residual electrical hazards or the risk of falling limbs. Assess the damage from afar and avoid direct contact.
Document the Damage
From a safe location, observe the tree for visible signs of damage like stripped bark, broken limbs, or burn marks. Take clear photographs or videos of the affected areas. This documentation can be invaluable for insurance claims and will help your arborist understand the extent of the damage during their assessment.
Call the Right Professionals
While maintaining a safe distance, assess the tree’s damage to determine the appropriate response:
- If the tree is on fire: Call the fire department immediately.
- If the tree has contacted power lines: Do not touch the tree and call 911. Remain inside if you are in a vehicle near downed power lines until help arrives.
- If the tree is severely damaged: Contact a certified arborist.
- If the damage seems less severe: Still, consult an arborist. Even if nothing appears wrong externally, tree care professionals can identify hidden issues.
If uncertain about who to call, and if there’s no immediate danger, starting with a certified arborist is advisable. They can assess risks and guide you on further action.
Care Strategies for Recovering a Lightning-Struck Tree
Although lightning strikes can inflict severe damage, many trees can still recover with proper care. After addressing any immediate dangers, a certified arborist can evaluate the tree’s condition to determine if it can be rehabilitated or if removal is the safer option.
If your tree is deemed salvageable, it will require specialized attention and care to restore its health. Here are some crucial services that tree care specialists may provide:
Selective Pruning
An arborist may recommend pruning dead, broken, or hazardous branches to prevent further injuries and reduce the risk of pests or diseases. They may delay major corrective pruning for a few months to allow the tree to stabilize, which helps reveal the full extent of damage before making significant cuts.
Structural Support
If the tree’s structural integrity has been compromised, cabling and bracing systems can provide essential support:
- Cabling: Involves installing high-strength steel cables between major limbs to minimize strain and movement.
- Bracing: Uses threaded rods to support splits or cracks in the trunk or large branches.
These methods can significantly reduce the risk of further damage, enhancing the tree’s chances of survival post-strike.
Watering and Fertilization
Post-strike, an arborist may recommend a consistent watering regimen to replace lost moisture and support recovery from root damage. Ensuring adequate hydration can accelerate healing and promote new growth.
Fertilizers can also encourage recovery, but only under the arborist’s guidance—over-fertilization can harm a stressed tree.
Pest and Disease Prevention
Lightning-inflicted wounds make trees more susceptible to pests and diseases. An arborist may apply preventive treatments, such as insecticides or fungicides, to protect the tree during its recovery phase. They can also provide advice on monitoring the tree for signs of infestation or infection.
Lightning strikes are more common than many people realize, and their consequences can be damaging to trees and surrounding areas. However, with the right care and guidance from tree care professionals, there is a real possibility of preserving your tree and nurturing it back to health.
References
1. NOAA’s National Weather Service. (n.d.). Lightning Safety Awareness Week. https://www.weather.gov/iln/lightningsafetyweek
2. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. (n.d.). Lightning FAQ. https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/lightning/faq/
3. Wildfire Causes and Evaluations (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). https://www.nps.gov/articles/wildfire-causes-and-evaluation.htm
4. NOAA’s National Weather Service. (n.d.-a). How hot is lightning? https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-temperature
