What would become of that stately oak on your property were it to be hit by lightning? Or the one you like to think of as your favorite, always in the way of a summer storm? It is something to consider, and not just for the tree’s sake but for the home in its vicinity.
We are here to put such concerns to rest. The ISA-certified arborists at Beyond The Leaf Tree & Shrub Experts, LLC have been in the business of shielding the trees our clients hold dear since 2012, all over Central New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania. We can tell you which ones require some extra measures. Call (908) 844-8227 and we will discuss your property with you.
There is no more destructive thing for a tree than lightning; in a matter of seconds a strike will do in a tree, boiling the sap and splitting the trunk. Yet the risk is not uniform. Some trees are apt to be struck and there are warning signs to be had if one knows where to look.
Why Some Trees Attract Lightning
For lightning making its way to the ground, a tall, solitary tree or one that towers over the rest of the landscape is an inviting target. Position, moisture and height are all factors. You will find certain species make more of a target than others by virtue of their structure; pine, poplar, elm and oak are among them. A large specimen of any of these is worth a closer eye.
Warning Signs Your Tree May Be at Risk
A tree on your grounds may be in need of protection if you notice any of the following:
- It is the tallest in the area or puts the surrounding structures in its shadow
- An open space allows it to stand alone without competition
- It is an oak, pine, poplar or elm, species with a reputation for attracting lightning
- Proximity to the house or garage is a concern
- The tree has merit in your eyes for its looks, age or the shade it affords
- There is a vertical strip of damaged bark or scarring from an earlier encounter
That final point should not be overlooked. A tree that has taken a hit once is weakened and unstable, and it is only a matter of time before it is struck again.
The Damage a Strike Can Cause
The aftermath of a lightning strike is usually bad. The heat will vaporize what is inside the trunk and the wood has a way of exploding from it. Limbs shatter and bark is blown off, leaving long cracks.
Then there is the internal damage that does not reveal itself for weeks or months; a tree can be on its last legs and show no outward sign of it. Falling limbs are a hazard to people and property well after the storm is over. Not to mention the risk of a large tree being rendered unstable and falling on the home, or the charge running through the roots into nearby buildings.
What You Can Do
To mitigate the risk, a lightning protection system is available. With a network of conductors to channel a strike harmlessly to the ground, the tree is spared the brunt of it. This is not work to be done by amateurs, however; leave it to those with the training to appreciate tree structure.
An ISA-certified arborist will be able to appraise the situation and put forward a plan. Should a tree have been struck already, he can determine if it is salvageable or a hazard.
As a TCIA Accredited Company, we are fully licensed and insured. Our hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, though for storm damage and other emergencies requiring urgent removal we have 24/7 service.
Do not put it off until the next time a storm comes and you are worried about a particular tree. Get in touch with us at (908) 844-8227 for a free estimate and see what can be done to protect the trees of most importance to you.
