Niceville’s reliable tree service experts at Backridge Tree Service receive a lot of questions about tree care, especially after storms leave their mark. How can you mitigate lightning strike tree damage? Is it possible to prevent lightning from hitting trees?
Find out the answers to these questions and more in this helpful guide.
Lightning’s Impact on Tree Health
Niceville locals are no strangers to weather events that pose a risk to trees and surrounding ecosystems. Hurricanes have major effects on the community and can produce powerful winds that knock down trees. When severe thunderstorms roll through the area, property owners have to watch for bolts of lightning that hit treetops.
Common signs of a tree lightning injury include:
- Split bark that exposes the interior wood
- Loss of bark or deep cracks in the trunk
- Sudden leaf discoloration and wilting days after a storm
The electrical shock to trees can be powerful enough to kill them if you don’t take steps to minimize lightning strike tree damage.
What To Do After Lightning Strikes a Tree
Watching a lightning bolt hit a tree on your property can be startling and leave you dealing with a severely injured tree. Find out how to mitigate the damage with the tips below.
Assess the Damage
It’s not safe to check your tree while a storm is still passing through. Once you have fair weather, head outside and evaluate the extent of damage to your affected tree. You might notice the following issues:
- Bark splitting from lightning
- Burnt tree branches
- Tree trunk lightning scars
Contact a local arborist who can help treat lightning strike tree damage. They will also assess the tree’s outer appearance as well as check the root system for injuries.
Perform Basic Tree Care
To aid your tree’s recovery following a lightning strike, apply fertilizer and water to the soil so the roots receive the nutrients they need. Trim any dead branches to deter pests, as they often start feasting on injured branches and quickly spread throughout the tree. Pruning also reduces the risk of tree diseases.
Remove If Necessary
Sometimes the damage from a lightning strike is too much for a tree to handle. Experts will recommend removing the tree if it dies immediately or poses a safety threat.
Can You Protect Trees From Lightning Strikes?
You can equip your property with a lightning protection system that draws the electrical current away from trees should lightning hit them. Keep in mind that these systems can cost a lot of money to install and don’t guarantee immunity from lightning damage, especially for trees in higher elevations.
Contact Niceville’s Leading Tree Service Contractor – Backridge Tree Service
It’s not always possible to prevent lightning strike tree damage. However, you can revive injured trees with the help of a qualified arborist. Let Backridge Tree Service help you overcome a wide range of tree-related issues, including storm damage, pest infestations, and diseases.
Enjoy peace of mind with our knowledgeable team on the job. Contact us online or call (850) 240-2829 to request a quote for service. Talk to us today.