What actions should you take if lightning strikes a tree in your yard?

Statistics show roughly 8 million lightning strikes occur each day. While most of them occur in rural areas, others occur in residential communities. When lightning strikes a tree, it can cause serious damage. So, what actions should you take if lightning strikes a tree in your yard?

Assess the Tree for Damage

You must first determine whether the tree has any damage. Lightning is a strong natural force that may destroy trees and other strong objects. Lightning reaches a temperature of more than 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. With that much heat, any moisture inside a tree is quickly turned into steam, which causes an internal explosion. While some trees may survive a lightning strike, others may die immediately. Evaluate the tree for damage while maintaining a safe distance in case the tree falls. Look specifically for the location of the lightning hit and the degree to which it “split” the tree open. You’ll probably need to cut down the tree if the lightning hit caused a significant split down the center at the base of the trunk. If the lightning strike occurred on one or two branches, on the other hand, you should be able to restore the tree.

Restoring a Tree Struck by Lightning

Watering a tree that has been struck by lightning will help it recover.
As we previously stated, when lightning strikes a tree, moisture inside the tree turns into steam. An explosion develops when the steam inside the tree builds up pressure. You might be able to repair your tree if the lightning strike only caused little damage, but you’ll need to give it plenty of water. In addition to watering the lightning-struck tree, you should consider cutting down any damaged branches. As long as the trunk is left intact, removing the branches shouldn’t kill or otherwise seriously harm your tree.

Removing a Tree Struck by Lightning

If the tree was severely damaged by the lightning strike and can no longer be saved, you should remove it.
You and your loved ones are put in danger if you ignore dead or dying trees. The integrity of the tree will be weakened when it starts to rot within. Even though it appears to be structurally sound, it could collapse.
You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that the lightning-struck tree is gone. While at the same time, you may be able to harvest the wood for firewood.

Call a Professional

Contact Johnson Ops Tree Care for an assessment of your landscape’s needs at 608 526-6297