e a direct influence on lightning effects. For example, lightning often follows the grain of the wood. The vascular tissue of pine and apple is arranged in a spiral fashion and on such trees when lightning strikes, branches die in a spiral pattern up the tree. Elm and oak, with conducting tissue aligned vertically, may show branch damage on only one side of the tree. It has also been noted by some observers that trees with smooth bark seem to deflect lightning bolts better than rough-barked specimens. In some cases the lightning discharge follows the line of least resistance, example, the cambium layer, burning a small channel down the trunk which often results in the formation of a ridge on the bark.
The nature and action of the lightning bolt itself has a direct influence on resulting damage to trees. Obviously, the more current a bolt carries, the hotter it is and the more destructive potential it has. Sometimes lightning discharge may disperse so as to cause no visible injury to the tree, but portions of the cambium (cell tissue just under the bark layer) may be killed, resulting in girdling and eventual death of the tree.
Lightning Resistant Trees
Location of a tree and the surrounding environmental conditions may also influence susceptibility of trees to lightning strikes. The tallest tree in a group; ones near lakes, ponds or streams; and solitary trees seem to be more likely to be struck by lightning.
Trees with high resin content make better conductors of electricity than those with low resin content. Therefore, trees such as pines, spruce, hemlock and fir are more susceptible to internal heating and explosion. The same is also true for trees with high starch content. That is why oak, maple, ash, poplar, and tulip trees act as good conductors of electricity. On the other hand, beech and birch are less affected by lightning because they have high oil content, and oil is a poor conductor of electricity.
What to do After a Lightning Strike
If an unprotected tree in your yard is hit by lightning often it can be saved. It depends on many factors including:
The last factor (location of tree) is the most important in the decision making process. If a damaged tree is hanging over your home or children’s play area the risk is significantly increased. However, if the tree is located in a large back yard with out anything of particular value in the drop zone we have much more flexibility in taking the wait and see approach.
Repair plans include:
If you experience a lightning strike and need help from a certified arborist, please let us know.
Please email email@example.com or call us at (901) 309-6779 for any of your tree servicing needs.