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.
Is it Possible to Minimize Storm Damage to Trees? Trees play a critical role in our environment, providing many benefits like shade, oxygen, and beauty to our landscapes. However, they can also be vulnerable to the destructive forces of nature,…
Read MoreWhy Regular Tree Maintenance Is Essential for a Healthy Yard It’s easy to take trees for granted. Most homeowners would never skip a doctor’s appointment or ignore their pet’s annual checkup, but routine care often slips through the cracks when…
Read MoreBenefits of Planting Trees Out of all the things you can do to enhance the aesthetics and value of your property, planting trees is at the top of the list. However, planting trees has many benefits, including social, environmental, and…
Read MoreWhat is Anthracnose? Trees enhance the quality of our environment, offering many benefits that improve the quality of life. However, they are susceptible to diseases, prompting the expertise of certified arborists. A common threat to these magnificent entities is anthracnose,…
Read MoreThe 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 MoreFacts About Winter Tree Planting Planting trees is a major decision that requires consideration of crucial factors like planting time, soil quality, tree type, and tree placement. While most people often avoid landscaping projects during the cold months, winter is…
Read MoreHow to Care for Newly Planted Trees Trees are beautiful ornaments for any property, but they are more than decoration. They purify our air, offer us shade, and even provide fruit. Trees grow naturally out of the ground, but if…
Read MoreTree Care Tips to Avoid Costly Damage Entropy is the natural direction of things. Left alone, everything tends to drift toward disorder – and your yard is no exception. Picture a forest untouched by human hands: vines tangled around tree…
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 MoreDebunking Common Myths About Tree Removal Trees are magnificent entities that provide many advantages. However, different circumstances like disease, infestation, landscaping needs, or severe damage may prompt tree removal services. While healthy greenery is an asset for property owners, when…
Read More