Tree problems · Other damage

Lightning Damage: signs and what to do

Lightning Damage is a kind of non-living (abiotic) damage, often seen on oaks, pines and fir, tall hardwoods such as tulip poplar and sycamore. Look for: a long strip of bark blown off, often in a spiral or straight line down the trunk.

General information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm.

Other damage
Oaks
Pines and fir
Tall hardwoods such as tulip poplar and sycamore
Pecan and hickory
Cottonwood and maple

Signs to look for

Tick what you see. More ticks make it more likely, but only an on-site look can confirm.

A long strip of bark blown off, often in a spiral or straight line down the trunk
Splintered wood or limbs thrown on the ground
Smoking or scorched bark right after a strike
Sudden wilting, browning or leaf drop soon after the storm
A trunk that splits or has a crack running up it
Scorch marks on the ground or dead grass in a ring near the tree
Slow decline over weeks or years, with dieback and insects or fungi moving in

0 of 7 signs ticked. Ticks stay in this browser only.

Season

Lightning strikes are most common in warm-season thunderstorms, though damage can appear right away or many months later.

How it spreads

Lightning is not a disease and does not spread. A strike can injure the trunk, roots and top. Weakened wood may later let in insects and decay fungi, so a hit tree can decline even if it looks fine at first.

Where it is found

Lightning damage can happen anywhere in the US, though thunderstorm frequency varies by region. Check your state official map; ranges change.

Official sources

What to do

1
Stay away from the tree during the storm and for a while after. Hanging limbs can fall without warning.
2
Keep people and cars away from damaged limbs and split trunks.
3
Call the utility for any downed wires and 911 for danger. Do not touch lines.
4
Do not climb or use a chainsaw on damaged wood yourself. Storm-loaded wood can snap.
5
Have a certified arborist look at the tree soon, then again in a few months, because some trees recover and others fail slowly.
6
Water the tree during dry weather and avoid fertilizing right away.

Safety first: do not climb, do not cut near power lines and do not use a chainsaw on storm-loaded wood. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.

Prevention

You cannot stop lightning, but a lightning protection system can be installed on a tall, high-value tree by a qualified professional. Ask a certified arborist. Regular inspection can also find weak spots before the next storm.

When to call a pro

Call a certified arborist right away for split trunks, hanging limbs, or a tree near a house or driveway. A tree hit by lightning may look fine but be weak inside.

Not sure who to call? Read how to hire a tree service or check is my tree dangerous?

Trees it affects

Usually seen on: Oaks, Pines and fir, Tall hardwoods such as tulip poplar and sycamore, Pecan and hickory, Cottonwood and maple.

See all species in our tree library, or pick a tougher tree with the tree picker.

For tree companies

How to explain lightning damage to a customer

Be calm and honest: some lightning trees can be saved with cleanup pruning and care, some cannot, and some decline slowly. Tell the customer what you can see, what you cannot, and offer a re-check. Never use fear to push removal if the tree is stable.

Send this page to the customer after your visit so they can read the signs in plain words. See also selling plant health care and the job photo checklist.

Questions

Will a tree die after lightning?

Sometimes right away, sometimes slowly, and sometimes it recovers. A tree can show few signs at first, so a pro check later is wise.

Is a tree hit by lightning safe to keep?

Not always. Cracks, split trunks and hanging limbs can be dangerous. Ask a certified arborist to check it.

Should I cut it down right away?

Not always. If the tree is not a risk, you may wait. If limbs hang or the trunk is split near a house, get a pro quickly.

Can I prevent lightning damage?

You cannot stop strikes. A qualified professional can install a lightning protection system on a tall, valuable tree. Start by asking a certified arborist.

Why do pines and oaks get hit?

Any tall tree can be hit. Height, wet wood and open space all play a part, and some species are hit more often than others.

Does homeowner insurance cover it?

Policies differ. Ask your insurer. This is a short explanation, not insurance advice.

Can Lirevon diagnose lightning damage on my tree?

No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies and does not do tree work. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm what is wrong with your tree.

How do I find a good local pro for this?

Search Google Maps for certified arborists or tree services near you, read their reviews and ask for proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes. Our guide on how to hire a tree service lists the questions to ask.

When customers spot lightning damage, they call

Make sure someone answers. Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for you. See our services and pricing.

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