One way to determine if your tree has been struck by lightning is to look for visible signs of damage on the bark and wood. The most obvious indication is the splitting open of the bark along the lightning path. This can be quite dramatic, with the bark peeling back or even completely torn apart. In addition to the bark splitting open, you may also notice shallow radial cracks in the wood directly beneath the path of the lightning. These cracks can be a few inches long and are a result of the explosive shock wave generated by the lightning strike.
Another telltale sign of a lightning strike is the loosening or expulsion of bark and wood. When a tree is struck by lightning, the tremendous force of the shock wave can cause the tree to flex and energetically rebound. This can result in the bark and wood being loosened or expelled from the tree. You might see strips of bark hanging loosely or even completely detached from the trunk. In some cases, chunks of wood may be forcibly expelled from the tree, leaving behind splintered or jagged areas.
It is important to note that not all lightning strikes leave visible signs of damage. Sometimes the damage may be more subtle and require a closer inspection. In such cases, you may need to look for other indicators such as wilting or browning leaves, stunted growth, or a sudden decline in the overall health of the tree. These symptoms can be a result of the electrical current from the lightning strike interfering with the tree’s internal processes.
In my own experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have come across several instances of lightning-struck trees. One particular incident stands out when a large oak tree in a client’s yard was struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm. The force of the lightning caused the bark to split open in multiple places, revealing the raw, exposed wood underneath. The tree also exhibited signs of wood loosening, with strips of bark hanging precariously from the trunk. It was a clear indication that the tree had been directly hit by lightning.
Determining if a tree has been struck by lightning can be done by observing visible signs of damage such as splitting bark, radial cracks in the wood, and loosening or expulsion of bark and wood. However, it is important to note that not all lightning strikes leave obvious signs, and in such cases, other indicators like wilting leaves or declining health may be observed.
