STRRRRIKE ONE!!

STRRRRIKE ONE!!*

*That’s all it takes…..

The power and display of a summer thunderstorm in Kentucky can be breathtaking.  Pop-up thunderstorms can occur almost daily in and around Jefferson County at this time of year.  Trees in our yards are occasionally struck by lightning causing concern to homeowners. Signs of lightning injury can vary from almost no damage to split bark and exploding trunks. The bark may peel, the ground around the tree may crack and small plants close to the tree trunk may also die as a result of lightning.

 The tree damage is influenced by a range of factors. The anatomy of the tree (grain of wood) can affect the direction lightning follows or the path of least resistance may be through the cambium layer (living cell tissue under bark). The actual lightning bolt has a direct influence on a tree’s injuries. The more current a bolt carries, the hotter and more destructive it is.  Location next to streams or water sources; the tallest tree in a group; and solitary trees are more likely to be struck by lightning. High levels of starch in deciduous trees attract lightning (oak, maple, ash), however oil, like in beech and birch trees, is a poor conductor. Even the resin content in the tree can be a factor as it is a good conductor of electricity (pine, spruce, hemlock and fir).

There is very little that can be done for a tree that has been struck by lightning.  Many of these trees will decline and eventually die though some may take years to do so.  If a tree on your property is struck watch for dying leaves and branches.  Remove dead wood and if practical keep the tree watered and free of stress. 

Don’t confuse lightning damage with a girdling of the trunk at or below the soil surface caused by 2,4-D (herbicide) that was applied in high concentrations. 

When I think about the heat and current a bolt of lightning carries I am surprised when a tree shows little or no sign of damage!  Hollywood has trained us to expect explosions and special effects when Mother Nature gets wild. But lightning can be sneaky, so be observant.