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.
Why Topping is Harmful for Trees Tree topping is often regarded as a controversial practice in arboriculture. This haphazard tree trimming exercise often causes severe disfigurement, compromising the overall aesthetics of your landscape. While tree topping offers a quick solution…
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 MoreHow to Tell if a Tree is Dead or Dying Trees are a valuable addition to any landscape; after spending a lot of time with them, you can tell when something is off. Some signs of damage can be detected…
Read MoreTree Planting Aftercare A tree can add immense value to your landscape, providing many benefits like shade, curb appeal, and overall environmental well-being. However, planting the tree is just the beginning. Ensuring its growth and longevity requires proper aftercare, and…
Read MoreHow Can Arborists Improve Your Yard As a property owner, hiring a professional tree service provider in Buford, GA to improve your yard can add significant value to your property. A certified arborist leverages extensive knowledge and experience to inspect,…
Read MoreHow to Fix Evergreen Trees Turning Brown Evergreen trees are known for their lush foliage that remains vibrant throughout the year, providing beauty and stability to our landscapes. However, when those green needles or leaves turn brown, it’s often a…
Read MoreWhat Are Hidden Underground Hazards? Underground hazards are often overlooked, yet they pose significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the environment. These hazards range from natural occurrences to human-made dangers, and knowing them is crucial for any property owner.…
Read MoreWhat is Tree Cabling? Trees are vital to our environment, providing shade, beauty, and ecological benefits. However, sometimes trees develop structural weaknesses that cause dangerous situations or loss premature tree removal emergencies. With that in mind, tree cabling allows property…
Read MoreWhat Exactly Is an Arborist Report? Trees are a valuable addition to our environment, providing oxygen, curb appeal, shade, and a habitat for various species. However, when it is time for tree removal, especially protected ones, there are legal and…
Read MoreWhy Trees Are So Important to Your Community As Arbor Day approaches, it reminds us of the significance of trees in our communities. Besides aesthetic appeal, trees are vital in enhancing the quality of life for humans and wildlife. From…
Read More