What happens when a tree is struck by lightning?
Lightning traveling down a tree trunk turns water to steam. If it gets under the bark into the surface moisture of the wood, the rapidly expanding steam can blast pieces of bark from the tree, and the wood along the path is often killed. What trees should I protect? Trees of historical interest; trees of unusual value; shade trees within 10 feet of a building because of the danger of side flash, fire, or superheating of the moisture in the tree, which could result in the splintering of the tree. Trees that are more likely to be struck by lightning due to their location, such as isolated trees on a hill, in a golf course, or in a pasture, etc.; and similar trees; should be equipped with lightning protection systems. Lightning protection for trees is intended to safeguard trees against damage caused by lightning; protected trees should not be considered a safe haven from lightning strikes. Lightning protection is usually not necessary for small trees located within the zone of protection
