Case Study: When Lightning Strikes A Spotted Gum Tree in Adamstown Heights

Have You Noticed a Tree Affected by Lightning Strikes?

Approximately six months ago, a striking incident occurred when lightning hit this impressive Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) located in Adamstown Heights. Following the event, the customer promptly contacted Waratah Professional Tree Care, and our senior arborist, Steve, immediately attended the site. He conducted a comprehensive assessment of the damage and performed a remedial prune to enhance the tree’s chances of recovery. The entry and exit wounds from the strike were clearly identifiable, and the neighbouring tree suffered severe damage, losing all of its foliage due to the intense force of the lightning.

The customer had observed a noticeable decline in the tree's health. They requested that Steve return to evaluate whether the tree would be able to recover from the incident.

What Impact Does Lightning Have on a Tree?

The burnt electrical patterns, identified as Lichtenberg figures, were distinctly visible, scoring the bark of the trunk. Both the entry wound, where the lightning struck, and the exit wound, where it earthed, were present and evident.

Lightning does not merely scorch the exterior of a tree. The internal damage it inflicts can be significantly more devastating.

When a bolt of lightning strikes, the enormous electrical charge travels through the tree, seeking the path of least resistance to the ground, often through the water-conducting tissue located just beneath the bark. The heat produced is extreme and instantaneous, literally boiling the sap within the cambium layer, which is the thin band of living cells responsible for the tree's growth and the transport of vital nutrients and water throughout the tree.

Once the cambium is destroyed, the tree loses its ability to transport sugars from the leaves down to the roots and water from the roots up to the canopy. The cells die, growth ceases, and vigour is lost. The structural integrity of the tree is compromised.

The tree does not die immediately, which is why the decline can take weeks or even months to become apparent. This particular Spotted Gum is exhibiting some regrowth, indicating that it is still fighting to survive. However, the overall prognosis remains uncertain and cautious.

What Should Be Expected for This Tree Moving Forward?

The degree of damage sustained by the tree depends significantly on how much of the cambium layer was destroyed and whether the root system was also impacted by the earthing strike.

Steve’s assessment highlighted several critical priorities:

• Immediate safety considerations: It's essential to monitor the structural integrity of the tree. A tree that has been struck by lightning may appear stable while being severely weakened internally. Any substantial deadwood present in the canopy now poses a falling hazard and requires immediate attention.
• Monitoring for secondary infections: The wounds caused by a lightning strike serve as entry points for fungal diseases and wood-boring insects. A compromised tree is a vulnerable tree that needs close observation.
• Ongoing assessments: The amount of regrowth observed over the coming months will provide more insight into the tree’s long-term prognosis. If the regrowth is strong and continues, there is hope for recovery. Conversely, if it stalls, removal may ultimately be the safest option to prevent further risk.

Should You Be Concerned About Lightning Strikes and Your Trees?

While lightning strikes are relatively rare, they are not as uncommon as many people believe. Tall, isolated trees and those located near water are statistically at a higher risk. Spotted Gums, like many eucalypt species, are particularly conductive due to their moisture content and height.

If you observe a sudden or unexplained decline in a tree, especially following a storm, it is wise to have an arborist evaluate it sooner rather than later. Early intervention provides the tree with the best chance for recovery and safeguards you from the dangers associated with a compromised tree going undetected.

Case Study Overview

This assessment was conducted by Steve Brown, senior arborist at Waratah Professional Tree Care. Waratah has been delivering arborist services throughout Newcastle and the Hunter Region since 1998. We proudly hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications through Global Compliance Certification.

Common Questions About Lightning Strikes on Trees

Can a tree recover after being struck by lightning?
Yes, some trees can recover from lightning strikes, particularly if the impact was a glancing blow and the damage to the cambium is limited to one side of the trunk. The potential for recovery depends on the species, the tree's overall health prior to the strike, and the extent of damage to the conducting tissue. An evaluation by an arborist is crucial for determining the prognosis.

How can I identify if my tree has been struck by lightning?
Look for signs such as bark that has been blown off or scorched in a spiral or vertical pattern down the trunk, entry and exit wounds, sudden dieback of the canopy in the weeks following a storm, and in some cases, split wood or shattered branches. The presence of Lichtenberg figure burn patterns on the bark is a clear indicator.

Is a tree that has been struck by lightning dangerous?
Yes, it can be. A tree that has sustained significant internal damage from a lightning strike may fail structurally without displaying obvious external signs of distress. If you suspect lightning damage, it is essential to have the tree assessed by a qualified arborist without delay.

What actions should I take if I suspect my tree has been struck by lightning?
Ensure that people and pets are kept away from the affected tree until it has been evaluated. Contact a qualified arborist as soon as possible. Avoid attempting to assess the structural damage yourself, as internal damage may not always be visible from the outside.

If you have a tree that you are concerned about after storm damage or a lightning strike, Waratah Professional Tree Care offers onsite assessments across Newcastle and the Hunter Region starting from $110.
Contact us at (02) 4956 6602.