That tell-tale smell lingers in the air following a reverberating thunderclap. It felt close, but did it hit anything? You don’t hear any ensuing crash from a tree falling, which you certainly would after a lightning bolt splits a trunk.
Still, even if your yard seems normal after the storm, you might wonder about the signs a tree was struck by lightning. Start by checking for the four obvious signs below so that you know when to call local experts like ACE Tree Services in Citrus Heights, CA. It’s best to identify an injured tree right after a storm clears.
#1 You Smell the Scent of Fresh Tree Bark in the Air
Have you ever smelled the aroma of a freshly cut tree lingering in the air? You can detect it right after a lightning bolt hits the specimen and opens the bark. You might also pick up on burning wood if the electricity sets the tree alight.
#2 You See Sections of Dead or Wilting Foliage
Sometimes, lightning bolts sever major branches from the trunk. Nutrients and water can’t make it to these limbs, so the wood dies, and the foliage withers. As you walk through your property, keep an eye out for electrical injury symptoms like brown leaves or bare limbs and schedule care for the affected specimen.
#3 You Notice Notable Bark and Trunk Damage
As you get closer to the tree, check for signs of external and internal tree damage. For example, you might see:
- Bark splitting down the path the lightning took
- Splintering limbs pulling away from the trunk
- Sap oozing from a wound
- Fresh trunk flesh exposed in a straight, vertical pattern (the lightning strike path)
These are prime signs a tree was struck by lightning on your property and needs professional attention.
#4 You Discover Burn Marks Across the Tree’s Surfaces
Not all vertical split wounds come from lightning strikes. A wound like this might indicate that your tree has weakened from uneven weight distribution in the canopy or gradual pest destruction. If it’s lightning, however, a charred path will likely be evident across the wound, with blackened bark and tell-tale burning wood-smoke odors.
These are obvious indicators that your tree has suffered a destructive lightning hit, and ignoring them isn’t an option.
Will Your Tree Survive the Lightning Strike?
Many trees recover from lightning on their own if the bolt does minimal damage. However, the above-listed signs typically mean your tree needs wound care from a professional arborist.
If the tree has a strong survival chance, it may need the following arborist interventions:
- Hazardous limb removal to get rid of damaged branches
- Cabling and bracing to reinforce the split trunk
- Fertilization to provide additional nutrients for quicker healing
- Disease prevention to prevent insects and fungi from infiltrating the weakened tissue
Why not contact a local tree service in Citrus Heights, California, to schedule a tree survival assessment? An assessment will determine whether your specimen stands a chance or needs removal services for your safety.
Let ACE Tree Services Have a Look With Tree Services in Citrus Heights, California
Discovered the signs a tree was struck by lightning? Whether it’s understanding tree storm damage better or scheduling emergency storm services in Citrus Heights, California, we can help. Contact ACE Tree Services today at 916-934-3204!
