The tricky thing about lightning damage is that it can be very subtle, if not completely unnoticeable. In some cases, the best action at first is no action other than patient observation. Lightning effects on trees vary from no noticeable damage to total destruc-tion. Signs that a tree was struck by lightning. Even if a tree struck by lightning lives and continues to grow, the tree may well have damage that will not only limit its lifespan, but also can make it a hazard in the future. Some lightning-struck trees will exhibit no signs or symptoms of damage. A direct lightning strike to this mature pecan tree has blown the bark off the trunk and limbs, leaving a trail of the electrical path through the tree. You might think hiding under a tree during a lightning storm is a good idea. Trees, because of their height, are natural lightning rods. Trees struck by lightning can show several symptoms and have a range of damage. In many cases, minimal damage may be evident on the trunk, such as, cracking or peeling of bark, while the roots have suffered considerable damage. The following are some of the common symptoms: … The expanding steam can explode, cracking bark or even stripping it off the tree. Interesting things happen when lightning strikes a tree. Lightning Damaged Oak tree at a result of lightning strike ID: K8RH97 (RM) Land to the ground dry cracked and dry tree. In spite of best efforts, however, there are sometimes elements beyond our control which cause damage to the things most sought to protect. You may sign up for Neil Sperry’s e-Gardens Newsletter at: www.NeilSperry.com. TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - One home has damage after lightning struck a tree near the homes in Southwest Topeka. The result: a tree provides a preferred path for lightning to reach ground. In such cases, the ground around the tree may show cracks that follow the roots of that tree. 9. Lightning damage also warrants a tree inspection. When lightning strikes, it turns the liquids inside the tree to gas instantly, and the tree bark explodes. The heat and pressure waves generated by lightning can kill or damage plants instantaneously, causing losses in crops, forests, and landscapes. Large trees with canopies that reach above those of surrounding trees are natural lighting rods. Leaf Wilt. In many cases minimal damage may be evi-dent on the trunk (cracking, peeling of bark, etc. The lighting protection system in this historic bur oak tree helps protect it from lightning damage. The damage can also extend to roots under the ground, creating further concern regarding the roots’ ability to offer structural support for the trunk and upper canopy. Since water is a better electrical conductor than wood, lightning striking a tree tends to travel just underneath the bark. At any given moment, there … Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program science-based nine principles, training and resources for sustainable landscapes. In some cases, the foliage quickly turns brown and the tree dies after a lightning strike. You would have a hard time standing as well — if your feet were burnt to a crisp. However, those marks are the tell-tale signs of lightning damage. Your email address will not be published. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LIGHTNING HITS A TREE When lightning hits a tree, damage can range along a scale from minimally invasive to explosive. Trees are often thought to add both value and beauty to properties. The best advice for a lightning-damaged tree is to use a razor knife remove any loose bark you can reach and to make sure it does not lack for water during the rest of the summer. Houses with trees within ten feet of the structure and taller than the roof are most at risk to … Lightning can kill trees or injure them, and sometimes the damage is hidden. In some cases the lightning Signs of lightning injury to trees can vary from no noticeable damage to total destruction of the tree. Lightning damage to trees depends on a variety of factors. ), while the roots have suffered considerable damage. Lightning … Or, you may not even realize your tree has been struck by lightning until you start to notice more large scale die off in the canopy. In other cases, the streak of damage to the vascular system is localized and may not kill the tree. When a tree falls victim to a strike the damage can be minimal or quite literally explosive. The ability to recognize lightning damage is useful because a correct diagnosis can allay fears that some unique disease or … Lightning vs. trees do not. In many cases, minimal damage may be evident on the trunk, such as, cracking or peeling of bark, while the roots have suffered considerable damage. Lightning strikes trees on a regular basis in the eastern US and elsewhere causing various injuries to trees. Symptoms of lightning damage to a tree can vary greatly. Trees, in essence, are standing vessels of water that act as ground rods for lightning. Some trees will die within a short time, while others will linger for years before succumbing to secondary pests. To prevent lightning damage to special trees in your yard or community, a lightning protection system may be installed. Often the ground around a tree hit by lightning will show cracks that follow the roots of that tree. Lightning damage to a tree (Howard Garrett / Special Contributor) What to do. Note area burned by the lightning in the lower right of this photo. Lightning can kill trees or injure them, and sometimes the damage is hidden. The following are some of the common symptoms: Trees die within a few days or a few months. If it hits a tree, it can do a lot of damage to the tree (and anything under it). What many people don’t realize is that lightning not only poses a risk to trees, but to adjacent structures as well. What do you do with the tree after it’s been hit? The flashover could be from conductor or from the fastener beneath the surface or both. As soon as lightning strikes the tree, water in its cells can start to boil causing steam to form. Since water and sap is a better conductor than wood and bark, lightning damage is often related to the concentration of moisture in and around a tree. Lightn-ing often takes a spiral course, following the grain of the wood, which is sometimes very irregular (Stone, 1916). The moment of impact turns the tree’s water into gas, causing the plant’s exterior layers to explode outwards. You can see the tree … If you are one of the unlucky ones in any part of the country, I have tips on what do do after a strike. For example, if the tree was rotted with wood decay or in poor condition before the lightning strike, your policy may not cover the tree or resulting losses. On the other hand, some trees struck by lightning can explode or burst into flames. Lightening damage in trees is instantaneous. Lightning damage also warrants a tree inspection. Large and valuable trees at risk of lightning strikes can be protected from lightning damage by installing a lightning protection system. However, trees can act like lightning rods. Since copper is a much better conductor of electricity than water, lightning travels through the copper wires and spares the tree from damage. Photo by Bill Seaman.