What to Expect When a Tree Is Struck By Lightning

RICHMOND HILL, Ontario - Sept. 4, 2019 - PRLog -- Lighting is one of the most destructive forces of nature on the planet. Tall trees rise above their surroundings which makes them a perfect target for a strike. When your tree is struck by lightning, it can suffer serious damage or get destroyed altogether. In Canada, trees absorb more than 2 million strikes every year. If you are wondering what steps you should take after your tree has been struck by lightning, check out this handy guide that the arborists here at Five Star Tree Services has put together for you.

What Happens When Lightning Strikes A Tree?

In cartoons, when lightning strikes a tree it is sliced directly through it. In reality, it causes an internal explosion. The electricity in the strike follows the moisture in the tree tissue which causes the water in the tree to convert to gas. Once this gas reaches a critical level, it causes an internal explosion. This can result in bark being blown off the tree or it may even cause the tree to splinter.

How Does It Affect the Tree's Health?

Half of the lightning strikes cause instant death for the tree. A significant percentage of trees that don't die instantly do tend to die within the space of a year. The stress and damage caused by lightning strikes can even cause a tree to die in a matter of weeks. Trees that lose a substantial portion of their bark from strikes are more susceptible to pests, severe weather, and disease. Regrettably, it isn't possible for tree bark to regenerate or be grafted from another tree. If there is damage to the roots of the tree, even if there is no other visible damage, the tree will die. In cases where the damage from a lightning strike is minor, it's possible for a tree to recover fully.

To learn more about what treatments are available and how to best protect your trees, check out our blog post!

Storm Damage & Emergency Tree Service

If you are in need of lightning protection for your trees or if you want to have a damaged tree evaluated, we are here to help. The expert arborists here at Five Star Tree Services are happy to offer tree removal services in Richmond Hill or to the surrounding area. Give us a call at (416) 990–3355 to set up a no-obligation consultation.

Blog Link: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/what-to-expect-when-a-tree-is-struck-by-lightning/