Texas Tree Struck By Lightning? Tree Services Austin

The Texas Hill Country has a wide variety of trees. Unfortunately, the risk of your trees getting struck by lightning is especially high in this area. Dry conditions and flat terrain can spell disaster for a tree caught in a Texas storm. If you have a tree that has been struck by lightning, you will need to call about tree services in Austin. You may be wondering what lightning actually does to a tree. Will your tree need to be removed?
A lot of trees struck by lightning have only a little damage to some limbs. In these cases, you may only need a tree trimmer to come out and get rid of the damaged branches. This can help you to avoid large open wounds on the tree and restore it to the shape that you would like.
Some trees have the bark stripped off by lightning. Sometimes the stripping leaves a definite line straight down or wrapping around the trunk. In this case, you will need to consult professional tree services in Austin. You may choose to request an arborist to assess this type of damage. Stripped bark, large holes, wounds and large limb splits leave a tree defenseless against disease and fungi. A certified arborist will recommend every step possible to save the tree before suggesting removal.
In the case of split trunks or split crotches, cabling and bracing could save your tree. Cabling and bracing give the tree a strong central structure that can help it survive the Texas weather. Again, a certified arborist should consult you on your options.
Lightning can produce a lot of heat when it strikes a tree. Sometimes the heat can travel straight down the trunk causing massive water loss and severe structural damage. Even if the tree does not look extremely damaged, it is possible that the heat from the lightning destroyed some of the trees internal structure. Lightning heat can also do a lot of damage to the tree roots. You may not know that you have this type of damage until the tree starts to die. You should immediately seek the advice of an arborist to ensure that the tree does not pose a hazard to you or your property.
Insects can quickly invade a tree that has been struck by lightning, so do not waste any time. Get it looked at and treated right away. Fungi and other diseases can easily infest a lightning damaged tree as well. Call about Austin tree service for trees struck by lightning that may need the attention of a certified arborist.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.