When lightning strikes a conductive material, it may create lightning scars, known as Lichtenberg figures. You might hear the term “Lichtenberg trees” when the damage strikes a plant due to the beautiful fractal paths created in the aftermath. Some wood artists even use electrical tools to imitate these figures on wood pieces.
So, does that happen when lightning strikes a tree naturally? Whenever we see videos, the trees just seem to burst into flames. So, is a tree struck by lightning a work of art, an imminent danger, neither, or both?
We provide tree services in Marietta, GA, so we’ll tell you the signs of lightning-struck trees and what they could mean.
Is a Tree Struck by Lightning Dangerous?
It looks cool as an art piece, but Lichtenberg figures on wood can be a sign of something hazardous. Many trees die after being struck by lightning. Tree damage from lightning depends on where it hits and the depth.
In surface-level strikes, you can expect some bark damage. With deeper strikes, the tree may experience splitting or deeper bark shedding. In the worst-case scenario, trees may explode as lightning superheats the sap, causing sudden steam expansion.
Lightning can also damage either the crown or the roots. Crown damage can turn the leaves into kindling, causing visible fires. It can also strike the root system directly, causing underground and possibly internal fires.
The most insidious are trees dying slowly from root system destruction. These trees may remain standing for a while, but become fall risks as they weaken. Eventually, they can collapse onto nearby structures at any time.
Can You Repair Trees After Lightning Strikes?
Repairing trees after lightning strikes may sound pretty ridiculous. After all, how can you save a tree after it has been scorched from the inside out?
However, if you give the tree some TLC, it may be able to heal itself. You can potentially save a half-dead tree if you call an expert at the right time. Trees can survive for months after lightning damage, and if you act quickly, you may be able to bring them back to partial, if not full, health.
Sometimes, it’s not the lightning that kills the tree, but the wounds it causes. The open wounds invite pests, fungi, and other infestations that greedily feed on the tree’s resources, parasitizing it until it dies. However, by giving the tree ample and accurate care with the help of an arborist, you can prevent the worst from happening.
Learn How To Protect Trees From Lightning Damage With J’s Woodpecker Tree Service
You know what happens when lightning strikes a tree, so how can you prevent it? Many trees boost property value, so the best way to keep them safe is by maintaining them to prevent damage. This means hiring an arborist to remove dead branches before they become property hazards.
J’s Woodpecker Tree Service can help you with any tree struck by lightning. We can also set up a plan to protect the trees in your yard. Call (678) 559-4030 for a consultation today.