Is it lightning? - Ask Extension
This morning, I noticed this line going up my red Oak is this a lightning strike? If not, what else has caused this and what do I do about it if anyth...
Knowledgebase
Is it lightning? #879911
Asked August 02, 2024, 1:36 PM EDT
This morning, I noticed this line going up my red Oak is this a lightning strike? If not, what else has caused this and what do I do about it if anything
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
It is difficult to determine if this crack in the bark of your oak tree was caused by lightening. Typically a lightening strike crack will go all the way to the ground and often out into the surrounding area as evidenced by a strip of dead, burnt lawn or other plants. Often entire strips of bark are blown off as well. Do you see any of those things? Is it possible the crack has been present for awhile and you just didn't notice it?
Sometimes the bark of certain (including red oaks) trees will crack due to extreme heat during the hot summer months. The damage shows up on the west or south side of the tree because that’s where the summer’s hot rays hit the dark bark causing it to overheat. Eventually it cracks. This type of bark split is unusual in mature trees, because the canopy shades the trunk pretty well.
Managing lightning or weather-related cracks is a waiting game, allowing outward signs of interior damage, if any, to become visible in the crown. If the damage is severe enough, you would begin to see wilting and/or browning of sections of leaves. Before taking any action, you should wait several weeks for the damage to become evident.
While you wait, be sure to keep an eye on the health of the tree because the tree’s internal wood is left vulnerable to attack. The open wound can allow insect pests and diseases to get a foothold inside the tree, causing decline and even potentially killing it. The crack in your oak tree is quite small, and I don't think there is a lot of risk to the inside of the tree. Still, you should watch for any sign of insect activity around the crack and also for any loose or dropping bark.
Do not use a sealant or patch to cover the crack. Just like sealing the surface of pruning cuts, this is an old habit that has been proven detrimental to tree health. Trees have built-in methods to control and isolate areas of disease or decay. If your tree is otherwise healthy, it should be able to seal off compartmentalize) the damaged area to safeguard the rest of the tree’s internal system. Generally, the best way to deal with cracks is to let your tree do its work.
Sometimes the bark of certain (including red oaks) trees will crack due to extreme heat during the hot summer months. The damage shows up on the west or south side of the tree because that’s where the summer’s hot rays hit the dark bark causing it to overheat. Eventually it cracks. This type of bark split is unusual in mature trees, because the canopy shades the trunk pretty well.
Managing lightning or weather-related cracks is a waiting game, allowing outward signs of interior damage, if any, to become visible in the crown. If the damage is severe enough, you would begin to see wilting and/or browning of sections of leaves. Before taking any action, you should wait several weeks for the damage to become evident.
While you wait, be sure to keep an eye on the health of the tree because the tree’s internal wood is left vulnerable to attack. The open wound can allow insect pests and diseases to get a foothold inside the tree, causing decline and even potentially killing it. The crack in your oak tree is quite small, and I don't think there is a lot of risk to the inside of the tree. Still, you should watch for any sign of insect activity around the crack and also for any loose or dropping bark.
Do not use a sealant or patch to cover the crack. Just like sealing the surface of pruning cuts, this is an old habit that has been proven detrimental to tree health. Trees have built-in methods to control and isolate areas of disease or decay. If your tree is otherwise healthy, it should be able to seal off compartmentalize) the damaged area to safeguard the rest of the tree’s internal system. Generally, the best way to deal with cracks is to let your tree do its work.
