![]() ![]() We find a certain number of very large old trees in the Bluegrass that die suddenly for no apparent reason – no signs of dieback, insects, diseases. I suspect that more trees are killed by lightning in the spring than summer, but this is difficult to prove, and there has been little research on the subject. ![]() This may be immediately obvious if the bark pops off or explodes, or it can be subtle, with the tree dying some time later the same season or during the dormant season. Sometimes the path boils the entire cambial layer, killing the tree. As with the cracked tree, damage may not be fatal. This may result in a strip of cambium being killed and the bark popping off, often in a spiral pattern. The high salt and sugar content of the cambium and adjacent developing phloem and xylem provides a path for electricity. Old trees with significant decay are more likely to explode or be severely damage.ĭuring the spring, the path of least resistance is the vascular cambium. A cracked tree may not be seriously harmed, and again only time will tell. In drier condition, the current may travel through the wood, and either cause a crack or explosive rupturing of the wood. During a thunderstorm, with water coursing down the bark, especially on smooth-barked trees like beech, the electricity may flow down the outside of the tree and do no harm (to the tree – anyone standing near it is at great risk). The fate of a tree depends on the course that the lightning takes. I have also seen trees that were struck, showed no damage and a year later were dead, probably because the roots were killed. The owner chose to do nothing and 30 years later, the tree is still in excellent shape. A local tree company recommended that the tree be taken down, or that it be heavily pruned. Even then, if possible, observation is best unless the risks are too great.Ī street tree near my home was struck and lost some bark. ![]() Obviously, this is not the case if the tree has an immediate target such as a home, street or playground. Since lightning damage may take several years to fully reveal itself, observation is the best course. Lightning struck trees are often over-managed by tree care workers eager to take action (and make a few bucks). We should never assume that a lightning-struck tree will decline or die, even if it appears severely damaged. Decay becomes an important factor, but if the tree is healthy, growing well and stays ahead of the decay fungi, it will live a very long life. Lightning-struck trees lose branches,part of their crown, sometimes the entire crown and have to rebuild. Lightning rarely kills our trees, but it is an important factor in their lives. Here in the Bluegrass and Nashville Basin, we find fire scars on a very large number of trees. Many fires in the Western US are started by lightning strikes on trees. ![]()
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