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Signs Your Tree Has Been Damaged by Lightning
If you have a tree on your property, it's important to be able to identify when it has been struck by lightning. A tree that has been struck by lightning can be dangerous and may fall over without warning and cause damage to your home and property. It can also be a safety hazard for your family if you spend an ample amount of time in your yard.
In this blog, we will discuss the signs that a tree has been struck by lightning. We will also offer tips on what to do if you believe your tree has been struck by lightning.
Damaged Tree Bark
One of the most common signs that a tree has been struck by lightning is damage to the bark. The bark may be cracked, burned, or raised. If your tree has signs of more than one shockwave from lightning,
Broken Branches
Another sign that a tree has been struck by lightning is broken branches. If you see any broken branches on your tree, you should always be cautious while in your yard and make note of the broken branches you see to show your arborist areas of concern.
Root Damage
When lightning hits a tree, sometimes the roots can become damaged. This can cause the tree to lean to one side or even fall over. Damaged roots can lead to other issues for the tree like wilted leaves, and can even kill the tree after a few days.
To keep your tree standing tall and healthy, even if the roots are damaged, keeping it fertilized throughout the year will help increase its tolerance to damage.
Withered Leaves
If you see withered leaves on your tree, it's another sign that the tree has been struck by lightning. Lightning can cause the leaves of a tree to turn brown and wilt. If you see this happening to your trees, you should call a professional arborist for help.
Will My Tree Die if Lightning Strikes It?
A tree can die if it's struck by lightning, but it depends on the severity of the damage. In some cases, a tree can remain perfectly fine and survive being struck by lightning. However, it may still become wounded, leaving it vulnerable to outside species, insects, and pathogens.
The overall health of your tree depends on factors like the tree's age, health, and location. If your tree was severely damaged by lightning, the chances of it needing to be removed are higher.
How Can I Protect My Yard from Tree Damage?
Lightning is unpredictable, and there's no guaranteed way to protect your yard from being struck by lightning However, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of tree damage.
You can start by hiring a professional to trim trees that are close to power lines or your home. This will help reduce the chance of the tree falling on your property and causing damage. You should also remove any dead or dying branches from your trees. These branches are more likely to break during a storm and fall on your property or home.
When Should I Call a Professional?
If you believe your tree has been struck by lightning, it's always best to call a professional arborist for help. Tree Masters will be able to assess the damage and determine if the tree needs to be removed. We can also help you take steps to protect your property from future tree damage.
Tree Masters is here to help you keep your trees healthy and your property safe. Contact us today at (704) 802-1150 for more information or to schedule a consultation.