Trees are often struck by lightning because of how tall they are. Because of how many bolts of lightning strike the ground on a given day, trees are very commonly hit by lightning. However, just because a tree is struck by lightning, that doesn't mean that it can't be saved. 

Effects of Lightning on a Tree

When trees are struck by lighting, this is a common reason why they have to be removed. Sometimes, a lightning strike can split a tree open or cause a tree to be come unstable. However, this is not always the case. If there are any hanging or broken branches, you'll want to remove them as soon as possible.

If you're not sure what to do, one option is to contact a tree service company. Tree services are able to determine if a tree needs to be removed or if it can be saved. If the tree cannot be saved, it might be too large and unstable to remove by yourself and you'll be better off having your tree removed by an experienced tree service company. 

Warning Signs That Your Tree Was Struck

Lightning often hits a layer inside the tree that you cannot see. The bark might look fine, but the lighting may have wrecked havoc on the inside of the tree. However, there are some signs that lightning struck your tree. You might see a crack that runs down the side of the tree. There might not be a lot of leaves on the tree or they might be wilting. Some areas of the bark might have been burned or blackened. 

Survival Odds for Your Tree

Whether or not your tree will survive is based on the health of the tree, its location, and the tree species. When struck by lightning, there's a risk that the tree will become infected by pathogens or will be preyed upon by pests. For this reason, steps need to be taken to protect your tree.

There may be only one side of the tree that shows evidence of being struck by lightning. If so, the tree will eventually close the wound and the portion that was killed off by the lightning strike will die off. Whether or not the tree is able to leaf out in the following spring plays a large role in whether the tree will survive. However, watering and fertilizing your tree can help it survive.

For additional information, contact companies like Able Scape, Inc.

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