Lightning struck - Dead or Alive

ozblogger

The tallest tree in my backyard, struck by lightning 3 months ago .... it was a top branch that was struck, but the damage to the bark is also evident.
Most of the top branches have died out it seems, leaves are dead, however the bark splits into two from the root, and the other side, although small, still has new growth and green leaves...

Obviously Neighbors are worried, and want me to remove the tree. local arborist who saw it 2 months ago, told me to wait and watch ....

Just wanted some opinions, before I made a decision ...

should I just get the affected branches (top portion) lopped/ removed ?
or should I remove the entire tree ?

all suggestions welcome

ozblogger

ozblogger

sorry .. new to forums image attached now

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ozblogger

More pictures ....

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Brent Ferris

Despite the enormous damage done to a tree -- a trillion volts or so - frying its cells instantaneously, many trees do recover - though weakened. Your local arborist said it best -- wait and see. If there is no significant growth within 6 months, the tree can still be cut down, the loss of strength in the stem will not be significantly different over 6 months. Trees take a long time to grow, and if they have the ability to recover, we should give them a chance. Give it extra food -- bonemeal, bloodmeal, potash, kelp or seaweed, and some epsom salts (about 1 tablespoon per gallon) for extra magnesium to enhance the chlorophyll production, and be sure it gets enough water.

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ozblogger

Whilst I totally agree with you and my local arborist, it's the neighbors that won't, which is my problem right now ...
hopefully none of the other branches fall, and I can buy some time for the Tree !!

Having said that, if I do go ahead and lop off the top portion completely, would I be damaging it's prospects of survival ?

Thanks for your advise

Eric Frei

Looks like a removal to me with over 50% of the canopy dead. I doubt any useful growth will occur where there is die back, even if it does it will be epicormic and unstable.

In my experience lightening struck trees with that amount of damage continue dieback and poor performance for years, sure some parts will grow but others die.

Taking the top off will only end up with a dying stem and a poorly formed tree as a lower lateral will grow contorted to assume apical dominance.

Tree is cactus and move on, unless there's some habitat value worth considering.

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