Menu
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Hidden Dangers of Bagworms Bagworms are a type of moth larvae that can wreak havoc on trees and shrubs, causing severe damage and premature tree removal projects. Despite their small size and discreet appearance, these pests pose hidden dangers…
Read MoreCommon 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 MoreCommon Mistakes to Avoid When Trimming Fruit Trees Trimming is one of the best things you can do for your fruit trees—but only if you do it correctly. At first glance, this task may seem like an easy task, but…
Read MoreWhat Should I Do if My Tree Is Touching a Power Line? Trees provide many benefits, from improving air quality and curb appeal to providing a habitat for wildlife. However, trees can grow close to power lines, posing safety risks…
Read MoreEssential Tree Care Tips for Every Season Trees require regular care and maintenance to thrive. However, different seasons call for specific care to prevent irreversible damage and premature tree removal emergencies. With that in mind, hiring a professional tree care…
Read MoreThat Tree Might Be Trying to Tell You Something Trees may not speak our language, but they are constantly sending messages. Every leaf, branch, and root tells a story about what’s happening inside the tree. Some signals are harmless, others…
Read MoreHow to Spot Diseased or Dangerous Trees Before They Become a Problem Let’s face it: not every homeowner is an arborist. Most people don’t spend their weekends studying leaf structure or bark fungus, and that’s perfectly fine. But while you…
Read More8 Symptoms of an Unhealthy Tree Trees are valuable to our homes and environment, providing oxygen, shade, and aesthetic appeal. However, trees can suffer from various health issues like other living organisms, prompting the expertise of a professional tree care…
Read MoreAre Exposed Tree Roots Bad? Exposed tree roots might look like an enchanting natural feature, but those gnarled “wooden serpents” at your feet are more than just a quirky accent of your tree. In fact, roots surfacing above the soil…
Read MoreHarmful Pests for Your Trees Trees are beautiful, essential for our environment, and vulnerable to various pests that can cause significant damage. These pests can compromise the health and longevity of trees, leading to their decline or even death. Tree…
Read More