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.
Are There Dangers in Cutting Tree Roots? Trees are more than towering entities in our landscapes; they are essential to our ecosystem, providing shade, oxygen, and aesthetic beauty. However, the decision to cut tree roots, whether driven by the need…
Read MoreControlling Tree Pests and Diseases Without Harming the Environment Maintaining healthy trees often entails controlling pests and diseases. With all the different ways homeowners can protect their yards, some cause more environmental damage in the long run. It is advisable…
Read MoreYellow Leaves in Summer The sight of trees adorned with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow during fall is a natural spectacle that always captivates. However, when those same trees display yellow leaves in the summer, it may be…
Read MoreFactors That Affect Tree Removal Cost Trees are valuable additions to any landscape, but sometimes you must remove them. Whether it’s a dying, dead, or potential hazards tree, you should immediately hire a professional tree care company to address the…
Read MoreTree Care Tips for Homeowners As a homeowner, maintaining a lush and healthy landscape enhances aesthetic appeal and plays a crucial role in providing shade, improving air quality, and enhancing the overall environment. You can achieve this by working with…
Read More4 Tree Pests to Look Out for this Fall As the leaves change color and a crisp breeze fills the air, fall shifts the natural world. However, not just the season’s beauty capture our attention. With the changing weather, certain…
Read MoreIf 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 MoreTree Roots and Your Foundation: What Homeowners Should Know We like to think of trees as majestic givers offering shade on a blazing Georgia afternoon, adding character to a property, and even producing fresh fruit given the right season. But…
Read MoreWhy Dead Trees Should Be Removed Immediately Dead trees are not always easy to identify, but one thing is for certain: They ought to be removed as soon as possible. A dead tree not only poses the risk of falling…
Read MoreShould I Get Tree Stump Removed or Grinded? No one likes to have tree stumps jutting out of the ground. These are not only eyesores. They are trip hazards and can attract pests and diseases. If you want to get…
Read More