How can you tell if your tree was hit by lightning and wasn’t simply damaged by some other means?
A tree hit by lightning may exhibit obvious signs such as charred wood and a split down the middle of the tree. Less obvious signs include damaged bark, broken and burned branches and wilted leaves that are dying due to the lightning strike.
Here is a closer look at signs that your tree was hit by lightning along with some facts regarding why they occur and the aftermath you can expect.
Signs That A Tree Was Hit By Lightning
Other than a tree that is partially or completely on fire, the most common signs that a tree has been hit by lightning include:
Charring
If you look at the picture at the top of this article, you can see evidence of black charring indicating a lightning strike. The strike split the tree in two and the branch on the ground has visible charring. When a lightning strike hits the center of the tree and splits it, you will see charring on the inside of the wood as in this picture.
A direct strike of this nature will undoubtedly kill a tree.
Ground damage
You may also see charring on the ground itself or other evidence on the grass or area around the tree that a lightning strike occurred. The lightning may dissipate by going down the center of the tree but could also hit a side of the tree and make direct contact with the ground, scorching it as a result.
If the lightning strike hits a large tree with visible roots above ground, they may also be damaged and if there are small plants growing in and around the base of the tree, they may be destroyed and charred, too.
A lightning strike may also cause cracking and other noticeable damage to the ground around the base of the tree, too.
Damaged bark
When a lightning strike hits the center of the tree, it can travel down the tree and literally blow parts of the bark off as we’ll see in the video near the bottom of the article. If you see bits of charred bark blown off the tree, holes in the wood that resemble bullet marks or other similar markings, these are obvious signs of a lightning strike.
Broken and burned branches
In the picture above, you can clearly see charring and burns marks on the inside of the tree that has split and fallen. In this case, it looks like the tree has already died or is in the process of dying as no branches appear visible.
When a lightning strike goes down the center of a tree, it may destroy the ability of the root system to deliver water and the tree will quickly die.
Splitting of the tree
A split down the center of the tree with charring is a sure sign that the tree was hit by lightning, just like the photo above. While some large trees can suffer cracking of branches due to age, the weight of the branches, or heavy wind independent of a lightning strike, a large split down the center of the tree with charring means that the tree was likely hit by a lightning strike.
Wilting
A lightning strike may hit the center of the tree and pass down the length of the tree trunk to the roots. While there may be no immediate evidence of a lightning strike following the incident, wilting leaves and twigs is a sign that the tree may have been hit by lightning.
First to die following a strike are usually the leaves, twigs and branches as they lose the ability to receive water and may be burned during the strike itself.
What Tree Is Most Likely To Get Struck By Lightning?
Oak trees tend to get hit by lightning frequently due to their tall height and because they often grow by themselves. Trees that are near a body of water, are elevated on a mountain or hill, are close to a building or that grow in the open or on the edge of a forest are also more likely to get hit.
The tallest trees in a forest are usually the ones that get hit first. Research suggests that trees located near water and ones located by themselves are also high targets for a lightning strike as are ones that are elevated. But beyond this, the species of tree can also impact the likelihood it is struck by lightning.
Not only can different species of trees react differently to a lightning strike, how wet or dry a tree is at the time of the strike can also impact the damage caused.
Case in point:
High resin content
Trees such as pine, spruce, true cedar, gum mastic, hemlock and fir all have a high resin content which makes them a better conductor of electricity than trees with low or no resin. This makes them more likely to attract a lightning strike.
High starch content
Oak, maple, ash, poplar, and tulip trees have high starch content and thus are good conductors of electricity, also making them a target for a lightning strike. Oak trees are also very tall and tend to be high in moisture which also attracts lightning but can on the other hand protect the bark and the tree itself when struck.
Dry soil conditions
Research has shown that trees growing in dry soil conditions tend to get hit by lightning more frequently and also tend to suffer more damage as water and moisture protects a tree when struck.
When a tree is hit by lightning it will not heal but will attempt to seal the wound naturally.
Can A Tree Survive A Lightning Strike?
Yes, it is possible for a tree to survive a lightning strike, although it depends on several factors. Here are some considerations:
- Tree species: Different tree species have varying levels of resilience to lightning strikes. Some species, like oak or pine, have thicker bark and higher moisture content, which can help them withstand the impact of lightning better than other species.
- Health and vitality: A healthy and vigorous tree is more likely to survive a lightning strike compared to a weakened or diseased tree. A tree with a strong root system and well-developed canopy has a better chance of recovering from the damage caused by lightning.
- Lightning intensity: The intensity of the lightning strike can also influence a tree’s survival. A direct and powerful strike may cause more severe damage, making it harder for the tree to recover.
However, a glancing strike or a strike that travels through the outer layers of the tree may result in less damage and increase the tree’s chances of survival. - Location of the strike: The location of the lightning strike on the tree can affect its survival. If the lightning strikes the upper branches or canopy, the damage may be limited to those areas, allowing the tree to recover over time.
However, if the lightning strikes the trunk or root system, the damage can be more severe and potentially fatal. - Post-strike care: After a lightning strike, it is important to assess the tree’s condition and provide appropriate care. Pruning any damaged or broken branches, removing any debris, and ensuring proper irrigation and nutrition can help the tree recover. Consulting with an arborist or tree care professional is advisable to determine the best course of action.
While some trees can survive a lightning strike, others may suffer irreparable damage and eventually die. It is essential to monitor the tree’s health and growth in the years following a lightning strike to assess its long-term survival prospects.
Often a tree that is struck by lightning will die from an infestation of pests or disease that sets in following the event.
Key Points To Consider Regarding Lightning Strikes On Trees
When a tree gets hit by lightning, it can have various effects depending on the circumstances. Here are some key points to consider:
- Impact: When lightning strikes a tree, it delivers a massive amount of electrical energy. This sudden surge of electricity can cause significant damage to the tree and its surrounding environment.
- Path of least resistance: Lightning tends to follow the path of least resistance, which means it often travels through the tree’s trunk or branches. The moisture content and conductivity of the tree play a role in determining the path the lightning takes.
- Bark damage: The intense heat generated by the lightning can cause the tree’s bark to explode or peel off. This damage can extend from the point of contact down to the tree’s roots.
- Internal damage: Lightning can also cause internal damage to the tree. The electrical current can vaporize the tree’s sap, creating steam that can burst through the trunk or branches. This can result in the tree splitting or shattering.
- Fire risk: When lightning strikes a tree, it can ignite a fire due to the heat generated. This is especially true if the tree is dry or if there are flammable materials nearby. It is crucial to monitor the tree and the surrounding area for potential fire hazards after a lightning strike.
- Tree survival: While some trees may survive a lightning strike, others may suffer severe damage or even die. The extent of the damage depends on factors such as the tree species, its health, and the intensity of the lightning strike.
- Ecological impact: Lightning strikes can have ecological benefits as well. They can create openings in the forest canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and promoting the growth of understory plants. Additionally, fallen trees can provide habitat for various organisms.
If you witness a tree being struck by lightning, it is important to exercise caution and avoid standing near the tree during or immediately after the strike. Lightning strikes can be dangerous, and it is advisable to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms to minimize the risk of injury.
Live Lightning Strike Caught On Tape
Below is a short video of a live lightning strike that hit a tree that was caught on a security camera. The strike occurs at the 27 second mark and travels all the way down the tree.
The immediate damage is to the bark of the tree which is clearly affected. The long term viability of the tree is questionable given the direct hit on a thin tree of this kind.