Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice...or Does It? Should I be concerned about lightning hitting my trees? Would my tree survive a lightning strike?

Has your tree ever been struck by lightning? Lightning strikes can leave their mark on trees with streaking bark, exploding trees, and broken limbs. Although, just because your tree has been struck with lightning, don't assume that it is dead. Yes, lightning can strike in the same place or on the same tree twice. However, the good news is that If your tree is struck by lightning, it may survive. Below I have listed three things you should do if your tree is struck by lightning: 1. Wait and Watch.Don't assume that your tree is dead. Often the damage to the tree is under the bark and goes unnoticed. Watch the tree and look for noticeable signs of decline. This could take months or years. The tree may never show signs of decline. It all depends on how much damage the exploding sap did under the bark. It is possible, though, that the damaged strip may not be all of the harm done. My experience with large canopy trees like oaks and maples is that about 70%-90% of those suffering a lightning strike will eventually die. Pine trees fare better with a survival rate around 50%. If the tree is a safety hazard after a lightning strike, it should be removed.

2. Water. Make sure to water your trees during the warm months. A tree's response to a burn is much like that of a human's. They emit a type of liquid and ooze constantly. If your tree has been burned by lightning you don't want it to get thirsty and dry up. Ensure that your tree receives good moisture by watering deeply once per week. Pine trees may become susceptible to pine beetles due to drying out. 3. Watch again. I have seen trees go years before they begin to show signs of decline after a lightning strike. If you start to notice that the leaves are dying, limbs falling, or bark flaking off it's time to get a second opinion from a certified arborist. Loose bark can be removed by using a razor knife. If the tree is not heavily damaged from the strike, the strips will start to heal over as a natural process. Once again, the good news is that your tree has a fighting chance! There are trees that have been known to survive lightning strikes.