Lightning is a natural phenomenon and it’s therefore impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a lightning strike to your trees. But you can do things to at least reduce the chance your trees are victims of a lightning strike as we’ll see below.
It’s also good to understand a bit more about how lightning works and why trees are often the victims.
Lightning strikes the Earth around 100 times per second, and each bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of up to 30,000 degrees Celsius (54,000 degrees Fahrenheit) and can reach the ground at speeds of around 220,000 km/h (140,000 mph). Lightning strikes are most common in tropical regions, specifically the areas near the equator and around thunderstorm hotspots, such as the Congo Basin and the Amazon rainforest.
It is difficult to estimate the exact frequency at which trees get hit by lightning globally, as it depends on a variety of factors, including the location, the frequency of lightning strikes in the area and the tree species.
It is also difficult to estimate the exact number of trees that get hit by lightning globally, as lightning strikes can cause a wide range of damage, from minor charring to complete destruction, and in many cases, the damage may not be immediately apparent.
Additionally, it’s also worth noting that lightning is not the only factor that can damage trees as storms, wind, pests, and disease can also affect their health.
How can you help prevent your trees from getting hit by lightning?
Preventing trees from getting hit by lightning is challenging, but there are measures you can take to reduce the risk and protect valuable trees. Here are some strategies:
- Lightning Rods: Install lightning rods on tall or valuable trees. Properly designed and placed lightning rods can help dissipate electrical charges safely into the ground, reducing the risk of a lightning strike.
- Grounding System: Ensure that the lightning rods are connected to a well-designed grounding system. This helps guide the electrical charge harmlessly into the earth.
- Professional Consultation: Consult with an arborist or lightning protection specialist who can assess your landscape and recommend appropriate lightning protection measures.
- Pruning: Regularly prune and trim trees to remove dead or overhanging branches. These branches can act as lightning attractors and pose a higher risk.
- Tree Height Reduction: If you have extremely tall trees that pose a high risk for lightning strikes, consider tree height reduction through careful pruning or capping.
- Proximity to Structures: Avoid planting trees too close to structures, such as homes or barns, to prevent lightning from jumping from the tree to the building.
- Species Selection: Some tree species are more likely to attract lightning due to their height, structure, or resin content. Consider species that are less attractive to lightning.
- Surge Protectors: Install surge protectors in buildings near trees to help mitigate potential damage to electrical systems caused by lightning strikes.
- Awareness and Safety: During thunderstorms, stay informed about weather conditions and take precautions to protect yourself and avoid being near trees or tree-lined areas.
- Environmental Monitoring: Invest in lightning detection and monitoring systems for early warning and risk assessment.
While these measures can help reduce the risk of lightning strikes, it’s essential to remember that trees in open areas, especially tall ones, are inherently at risk during thunderstorms. Lightning is unpredictable, and safety should always be the top priority.
If you have concerns about specific trees, it’s wise to consult with a professional arborist or lightning protection specialist to determine the best course of action for your property.
How likely is my tree to get hit by lightning?
The likelihood of a specific tree being hit by lightning depends on a variety of factors, including the:
- Location of the tree.
- Height and size of the tree.
- Frequency of lightning strikes in the area.
Generally, taller and isolated trees are more likely to be struck by lightning, as they present a larger target and are more likely to be hit in an open area.
Trees that are located in an open field or on a hilltop are more likely to be struck by lightning than those located in a forest or other densely vegetated area. Trees that are located near other tall objects such as buildings, towers or poles also more likely to be hit, as these structures can attract lightning.
It’s also important to note that lightning can hit the surrounding soil, with a “ground current” affecting nearby trees, even if the tree itself is not hit.
Therefore, it is difficult to say how likely a specific tree is to be hit by lightning without taking into account all of the above factors and knowing the lightning frequency and history in your specific location.
Which trees attract lightning?
Evergreen trees such as pine, spruce and fir can be more attractive to lightning than deciduous trees, because their needles retain moisture and create a taller profile than deciduous trees. Also trees with a single trunk, or taller than others in the area are more likely to attract lightning.
Trees that are taller and more isolated are also more likely to attract lightning, as they present a larger target for the lightning to strike. The type of tree also plays a role, as some types of trees are more conductive than others. Pine trees, for example, have a higher resin content and are therefore more conductive than other types of trees.
It is also important to reiterate that trees located near other tall objects such as buildings, towers, or metal fences can attract lightning as well.
This is why you never want to stand under a tree during a rainstorm and especially when there is thunder and lightning present.
Again, remember that it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of a lightning strike, as lightning is a natural phenomenon that can be difficult to predict or control.
Do trees with deep root systems attract lightning?
A tree’s root system is not a direct factor in determining whether or not it will attract lightning, as the likelihood of a tree being struck is primarily determined by its height and location. The taller and more isolated a tree is, the more likely it is to be struck by lightning.
However, deep root systems can play a role in the tree’s ability to withstand a lightning strike. Trees with deep root systems are typically more stable, and can help to anchor the tree to the ground, making it less likely to be felled by a lightning strike.
Additionally, a deep-rooted tree is more likely to have a developed lateral root system that can absorb water and nutrients, also this could help the tree to recover from the damage caused by a lightning strike.
That being said, it’s important to remember that even trees with deep root systems can be felled by a direct strike from lightning or the ground current caused by it, and the risk of a tree being struck by lightning is primarily determined by its height and location, not by the depth of its roots.
What are some examples of rare lightning strikes that may occur?
Rare and unusual lightning strikes on trees can result in fascinating phenomena. Here are some examples:
- Lichtenberg Figures: Lightning can create intricate, branching patterns known as Lichtenberg figures when it strikes trees. These “lightning scars” can be found etched into the tree’s surface and are a captivating example of the raw power of lightning.
- Exploding Trees: In extremely rare cases, when lightning strikes a tree, it can cause the tree to essentially “explode.” The moisture inside the tree turns to steam rapidly, leading to a violent explosion that shatters the tree into pieces.
- Fulminology: This is the study of lightning and its effects. Some unusual cases include lightning turning the inside of a tree into glass, creating a unique and eerie glass sculpture.
- Crown Fire Formation: Lightning strikes on tall trees in forests can ignite the entire crown of the tree, leading to the rapid spread of fire in forested areas. This phenomenon is a major concern in wildfire-prone regions.
- Splitting Trees: Lightning can sometimes split a tree into multiple parts along its length. These jagged splits are a captivating example of the power of electrical discharge.
- Ground Fires: In some cases, lightning strikes a tree, travels down the trunk, and ignites the ground, causing underground fires that can smolder for days or weeks.
- Wood-Exploding Fungus: Lightning strikes can initiate the growth of fungi in trees, which can cause a condition called “brown rot.” This process breaks down the wood, sometimes leading to trees falling apart seemingly without external influence.
- Changing Wood Color: Lightning strikes can alter the color of the wood in the affected area, leading to unique and visually striking patterns within the tree.
- Attracting Rare Species: Some species of beetles and insects are attracted to trees that have been struck by lightning, creating unique ecosystems around these trees.
- Sacred or Mythological Significance: In some cultures, trees struck by lightning hold spiritual or mythological significance, and they are considered sacred sites.
These examples illustrate the diverse and captivating effects that lightning can have on trees, further emphasizing the awe-inspiring power of nature.
However, it’s important to remember that lightning can also be dangerous and destructive, causing forest fires and posing risks to human safety.
Summary
Unfortunately it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of a lightning strike. Even if a tree is less likely to be hit by lightning, proper tree management and safety steps can be taken to further reduce the risk of damage in case of a strike.
Not sure if your tree was hit by lightning or not?
Sometimes it can hard to tell especially if it’s an older tree or if the tree was already damaged and you’re unsure what caused it.
Click here to learn more about how to tell when a tree has been victim of a lightning strike.