As the leading experts in tree removal in Lexington, Kentucky, we’re of course familiar with the impact of thunderstorms on our lives. We’ve had clients report spotting damage in one of their large backyard trees when stepping outside after a storm has passed.
Tree Care Inc. shares these leading signs a tree was struck by lightning, what they mean, and what steps you should take to protect your property.
1. Bark Splitting
When lightning strikes, the immense heat causes the sap inside the tree to instantly turn to steam. The rapid vapor expansion splits the bark, often in long vertical patterns up and down the trunk or branches. You might notice strips of bark peeling away or lying at the base of the tree. In some cases, large areas of bark may be missing entirely, revealing pale or raw exposed wood underneath.
2. Vertical Cracks Along the Trunk
Vertical cracking often accompanies bark splitting. These fissures are often narrow and deep, generally tracing the path of the lightning as it travels down the tree. Unlike cracks caused by frost or aging, lightning cracks appear suddenly. You may also notice darkened or charred edges along the crack. Inspect the trunk from a safe distance if you see these telltale scars.
3. Scorched Leaves or Wilted Foliage
The intense heat can also damage a tree’s foliage, leaving scorched leaves that look brown, curled, or even burnt and blackened. Depending on the strike’s path, you might notice this damage concentrated on one side of the canopy or along specific branches. Sometimes, the leaves remain attached but look wilted or droopy. That signals internal injury to the tree’s vascular system.
4. Limb Damage
A lightning strike delivers not just heat but explosive force. This often results in limb damage that leaves branches splintered, cracked, or hanging precariously. Other signs a tree was struck by lightning include large limbs scattered on the ground after a storm. Look carefully: Lightning-damaged limbs typically show a shredded, torn appearance rather than a clean break.
5. Exposed Wood With Charring or Discoloration
If lightning blasts bark off, you may see exposed wood beneath, sometimes marked by black streaks or reddish-brown discoloration. The charring often traces the lightning’s path through the tree and can indicate how deeply the energy penetrated it. In some cases, the wood may feel brittle or soft. Use caution, as that suggests compromised structural integrity.
6. Sudden Tree Decline
Not all storm damage shows up immediately. Over the weeks or months following a strike, you might observe sudden changes: leaves yellowing or falling prematurely, branch dieback, a thinning canopy, or slowed growth. Delayed but serious decline results from internal injuries that disrupt the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Our region’s humidity can compound the problem by promoting secondary infections or pest infestations that attack the weakened tree.
7. Root Damage or Soil Disturbance
While most people focus on the visible parts of the tree for signs that a tree was struck by lightning, it can also affect the underground root system. The electrical charge may travel through the ground, damaging shallow roots. You might notice cracks or heaving in the soil near the base or even a slight lean in the tree’s posture. Roots are critical to stability, so this kind of partially hidden damage poses a serious hazard.
8. Unusual Bark Patterns or Oozing Sap
Another subtle sign is the appearance of unusual bark textures or oozing sap. After a strike, the tree may begin to exude sap through small cracks as it tries to heal, or the bark might develop irregular, blistered patterns. These signs suggest the tree is under stress and may be struggling to compartmentalize the internal injuries caused by the lightning.
What To Do If You See These Signs
If you spot any of these signs that a tree was struck by lightning, take prompt action. Lightning-damaged trees can be unpredictable and dangerous. Damaged branches may fall, or, in some cases, the entire tree could topple without warning, especially during a follow-up storm.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Stay safe: Avoid standing under or near the damaged tree. Even if it looks stable, hidden weaknesses may exist.
- Inspect from a distance: Note where the bark splitting, vertical cracks, or limb damage appear. Check for soil disturbance at the base, which might suggest root damage.
- Call a certified arborist: A professional evaluation is critical. Certified arborists can utilize specialized tools, such as resistographs or sonic tomography, to assess internal decay and structural risks. They’ll also know how to assess common Kentucky species, such as oaks, maples, and pines, which may exhibit different patterns of lightning damage.
How an Expert Tree Services Provider Can Help
An arborist will determine whether your tree can be saved or poses a hazard that requires removal. For trees with minor bark splitting or isolated limb damage, treatments like pruning, wound care, and fertilization may help the tree recover.
However, trees with extensive vertical cracks, deep exposed wood, or signs of sudden tree decline may call for removal to protect nearby structures, people, and other trees.
Additionally, your local expert arborist can advise on preventive measures, such as installing lightning protection systems for high-value or historic trees. These systems, composed of copper cables and ground rods, safely redirect lightning into the earth, thereby sparing the tree from direct damage.
Trust Tree Care Inc. for Expert Arborist Services in Lexington
Remember, recognizing the signs that a tree was struck by lightning isn’t just about spotting split bark or scorched leaves; it’s about knowing when to bring in a professional. With Tree Care Inc. by your side, you’ll know your landscape is in expert hands.
If you’re a Lexington homeowner worried about a tree emergency, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call the experts at Tree Care Inc. at (859) 347-2237. Our certified arborists specialize in diagnosing and treating lightning-damaged trees across northern Kentucky. We’ll assess the damage, recommend a treatment or removal plan, and help you safeguard your property.
