Menu

Our Reviews
John Miller
google

It took a while for the weather to cooperate, but when the time came, all went well with excellent results. The crew removed a large water oak and a small trash tree. They worked well together and when finished, the job site was cleaned up nicely. They were friendly and informative. Neighbors were also impressed. I highly recommend Driscoll Tree Service.

Ryan Lee
google

I used Driscoll Tree Service for years in Snellville, and now we use them in Atlanta. They do an excellent job every time. Friendly and knowledgeable crew.  Results are always great. Thanks, Driscoll Tree  Service!

Schedule

Tree Removal Services Today

Get Appointment
sideimage

Trees and Lightning Strikes

Lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. While this might be true, you know how destructive it can be if you live in an area that frequently experiences such weather phenomena. Towering trees are easy targets, acting as lightning arrests during a storm. When a tree in your backyard is struck by lightning, Driscoll Tree Service can help mitigate further damage. Many people don’t recognize the damage caused by lightning, resulting in severe injuries and property damage in the long run.

secondary

What Happens When Lightning Strikes a Tree?

secondary

Lightning results from a built-up electrical charge when ice particles collide in storm clouds. Tall objects on the ground, such as trees, buildings, and other structures, can also build up an electrical charge. The cloud charge connects with the charge on the surface, creating a powerful flow of electric current that causes a bright flash. This is called a lightning strike. Most parts of the United States experience frequent lightning strikes, and when a tree is struck, you need to call a trusted tree service as soon as possible.

Recognize Tree Damage Caused by Lightning

As mentioned, lightning is a strong electric current. When a tree in your yard is hit, it heals all the moisture within the tree, creating sparks and fire hazards. A lightning bolt can reach temperatures up to 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit, destroying the tree completely. The force of the strike is enough to split a tree or break several branches. Sometimes the force is too immense, and the tree may appear to have exploded.

Tall trees can survive a lightning strike if they are soaked by rainwater. Since electricity follows the path with the least resistance, lightning will flow down the side and into the ground. If there’s little moisture within the tree, lightning will cause rapid heating and expansion of the tree’s moisture cells and destroy it.

The severity of damage is often determined by the location, tree, type of tree, and the specifications of its environment. Hence, hiring a tree care company in Buford following a lightning strike can address the problem before the damaged tree wreaks havoc on your property.

What to Do When Your Tree is Struck by Lightning

Lightning is dangerous, and homeowners must know safety protocols to prevent injuries. Even if you are curious, we don’t recommend going outside to examine the damage in the middle of the storm. Don’t stand under or attempt to climb the tree if there are broken branches, or the trunk is split. Look for telltale signs of damage, such as peeling bark, hanging boughs, and split trunk, but leave the pruning to a tree service provider.

Consider a Tree Risk Assessment

Trees are valuable additions to any landscape and deserve routine care and maintenance to thrive. Scheduling regular inspections with a professional tree care company allows you to use their experience and knowledge to enhance the health and longevity of your trees. Contact us at the Driscoll Tree Service and talk to our arborists about an inspection and necessary measures to enhance resistance to lightning.

Other News

blog1
Sep 19,2023
4 Ways to Fill the Empty Space Where a Tree Was

4 Ways to Fill the Empty Space Where a Tree Was When a tree is removed from your yard, it can leave a space that can be challenging to fill. Fortunately, various creative and functional ways exist to fill that…

Read More
blog1
Aug 22,2025
Fall Tree Care: When to Prune, Trim, or Remove

Summer is winding down, the days are getting shorter, and the air will be crisp and the leaves will start falling before you know it. For tree owners, that means it’s time to think ahead. Fall is one of the…

Read More
blog1
Feb 22,2023
Georgia Guide to Growing Trees

Georgia Guide to Growing Trees If you are a resident of Georgia, there’s no better time to grow trees than now. With over 100 tree species, it is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. Before planting…

Read More
blog1
Oct 07,2025
Tree Roots vs. Your Driveway - What Homeowners Should Know

It’s one of the most classic homeowner dilemmas: you plant a tree, watch it grow tall and proud for decades until, one day, you notice the driveway starting to buckle. Cracks appear and spread; the once-smooth concrete begins to lift…

Read More
blog1
Jun 12,2022
Best Trees to Plant for Shade

Best Trees to Plant for Shade A good shade tree is a must if you live in an area where the temperatures tend to rise in the spring and summer. Choosing the right trees can not only offer a cool…

Read More
blog1
Sep 04,2024
Is it Possible to Minimize Storm Damage to Trees?

Is it Possible to Minimize Storm Damage to Trees? Trees play a critical role in our environment, providing many benefits like shade, oxygen, and beauty to our landscapes. However, they can also be vulnerable to the destructive forces of nature,…

Read More
blog1
Jun 17,2025
Top Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Services

Top Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Services Trees are among the best investments you can make in your property. They offer aesthetic, provide shade, increase home value, and can even give you delicious fruit to enjoy. However,…

Read More
blog1
Feb 28,2025
How Can Arborists Improve Your Yard

How Can Arborists Improve Your Yard As a property owner, hiring a professional tree service provider in Buford, GA to improve your yard can add significant value to your property. A certified arborist leverages extensive knowledge and experience to inspect,…

Read More
blog1
Sep 09,2025
Do I Need a Permit to Remove This Tree? Here's the Real Answer

If you’ve ever stood in your yard and looked up at a big ole tree, then you know the mix of feelings it can stir. On one hand, that tree has probably given your home shade, beauty, and maybe even…

Read More
blog1
Nov 20,2024
How Shade Trees Benefit Us

How Shade Trees Benefit Us As the temperature increases, many people seek refuge indoors. However, shade trees can protect you from the heat and sun, allowing you to undertake various outdoor tasks. Whether you want to grow birch or maple…

Read More