Was my tree hit by lightning?

[coccinelle]

Can anyone tell me how you know if a tree was hit by lightning? One of the trees in my garden was split during a thunderstorm; there were three parts coming from the main stem and one split leaving a gaping gap and lots of work!!.....

[Maydup]

It sounds most likely that it was hit by lightening. I can think of any other reason you'd find it in that state.

[HowardKennitby]

some pics here

http://www.weathersca...ightning&subcat=trees

[boxtops]

That link's interesting, Howard - I often wondered how the lightning has such a devastating effect on a tree. Imagine what it does to humans!

[coccinelle]

Thank you for the link. I'm now wondering if the rest of the tree is now fragile and maybe should get it removed... I'd hate it to fall next door!

[heathfield]

Reasons for a split tree are 1) High wind, 2) Weight of a branch overcoming its strength, 3) Lightning strike. Mind you, if you were at home when lightning struck in your garden, you'd know all about it - a simply enormous bang would have given you a clue!

[coccinelle]

There was an enormous and long crack but just thought it was an unusual crack of thunder as the storm was on top of us. By the way, this happenend the night of the opening ceremony and as a result no longer got a signal so didn't see the torch being lit!! Of all the times, to have a thunderstorm!!!

[johnk]

There's usually a burn mark that runs down the tree to the ground as well as all the other damage. If it doesn't look safe then prune it or cut it down. If you want it to regrow leave a stump a foot high with a sloping cut and about 6 twigs will grow out, choose the one to keep and cut all the others off, this one will become your new tree