Can a Tree Survive This?

[tjavery]

I posted this in another thread, but that was about damage to my computer. Anyway, I wanted to seek advice about what to expect from this:



We had lightning strike the backyard last Thursday. I didn't discover this damage until yesterday. The most damage is at the base of the trees. But there are bare strips all the way up to the tops. Big chunks of bark were blown out all over the yard.

Do y'all think the trees will live?

[bondarnes]

There is no way to tell at this point. The more powerful the strike the less likely the survival. You will just have to wait and see or consult an arborist.

[ggeen]

IDK, but in general if there is not a complete break in the bark between the root system and the top of the tree, then there is a good chance of the tree surviving.

There must be sufficient bark to carry nutrients from the root system upwards. We are heading into a dormant season which is actually good. This will provide some time for the tree to repair itself.

[tjavery]

Thanks, y'all.

Should I seal up the "wounds"? The trees are putting out a lot of sap, but the bare spots aren't covered yet.

[donlfaulkner]

The tree we had that was hit by lightening took about a year and a half to show signs of dying.

[ggeen]

You have exhausted my tree knowledge already. Give Covington's Nursery a call. The folks there are very helpful and friendly. They helped me diagnose an infestation I had this year.

Covington's Nuersery

5518 Liberty Grove, Rowlett, Texas
(972) 475-5888

[kenw]

I've got pines that survived worse. The biggest danger is insects, especially with the sap oozing which attracts them. An arborist will tell you, a tree service will just want to cut it down...