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 Hunt
google

Driscoll Tree Service and its team are professional, friendly, and excellent at tree removal. Their prices are the best. We had them remove a completely dead tree and a super large branch. For both experiences, they came out fast and did an Incredible job. Highly recommend.

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
Oct 25,2023
Why are My Tree Branches Falling Off?

Why are My Tree Branches Falling Off? As the summer temperatures rise, the tranquility of your garden may be disrupted by branches falling off your trees. Unlike the more common storm or ice damage, these occurrences can leave you puzzled,…

Read More
blog1
Jan 27,2025
9 Things a Certified Arborist Wants You to Know

Hey there, Metro Atlanta neighbors! Whether you’re battling Bradford pears that shed like a husky in July or nurturing a century-old oak that’s seen more history than Peachtree Street, the tree care specialists at Driscoll Tree Service have some tips…

Read More
blog1
Jun 05,2025
How To Reduce Heat Stress On Trees

How To Reduce Heat Stress On Trees With summer right around the corner, many of us are gearing up for pool days, vacations, cookouts, and stocking up on sunscreen. Amid all this seasonal preparation, however, there's one important part of…

Read More
blog1
Jun 26,2025
The Best Time of Year to Trim Your Trees (And Why It Matters)

The Best Time of Year to Trim Your Trees (And Why It Matters) Trees are more than just scenery that beautify Metro Atlanta's landscape; they’re vital parts of our yards and provide shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. If you want…

Read More
blog1
May 16,2024
5 Tips to Maximize Your Curb Appeal

5 Tips to Maximize Your Curb Appeal First impressions matter, especially in your home. Whether you plan to sell your house or stand out in the neighborhood, enhancing your curb appeal is an excellent way to achieve your goals. As…

Read More
blog1
Feb 17,2024
Caring for Your Tree’s Roots

Caring for Your Tree’s Roots Planting a tree is a long-term investment, as most trees take several years to grow to their potential. While there are many ways to maintain maximum health, such as tree pruning and trimming, managing its…

Read More
blog1
Aug 26,2025
The Tree in Our Yard Was Beautiful... Until It Started Cracking Our Foundation

If you’ve lived in Metro Atlanta for a while, then you know we love our trees. Drive through Decatur, Marietta, or Roswell and you’ll see streets shaded by towering oaks, pines, and maples. For most of us, those trees aren’t…

Read More
blog1
Dec 15,2023
Common Land Clearing Mistakes You Should Avoid

Common Land Clearing Mistakes You Should Avoid Land clearing is an essential step in many residential and commercial development projects, whether building new infrastructure, expanding urban areas, or creating agricultural fields. However, the land-clearing process can be overwhelming, increasing the…

Read More
blog1
Sep 24,2025
How to Choose the Right Tree Company

It should go without saying that when it comes to caring for your trees, hiring a professional is always the smarter choice. Whether you’re dealing with routine trimming, storm cleanup, or a full tree removal, the risks and complexities make…

Read More
blog1
Jun 06,2023
Everything You Need to Know About Residential Tree Clearing

Everything You Need to Know About Residential Tree Clearing Trees provide a range of benefits for your property and the ecosystem. However, there are instances clearing is vital to mitigate safety hazards and costly damages in the future. Before hiring…

Read More