Trees and Lightning - Metropolitan Forestry Services, Inc.

Trees and Lightning - Metropolitan Forestry Services

Image of a backyard all sorts of different large trees.

Lightning strikes - and the damage may or may not be so obvious

Lightening strikes will vary in intensity and damage. This will range from some minor bark splintering along the trunk or branch that was struck to the tree splitting in half with bark blown 150 feet in all directions. Lightening can do tremendous internal damage even if exterior damage appears minor.

If your tree is hit by lightening, make sure the tree is stable and won’t break apart. Safety should always be the first priority. Wait several weeks to see if the tree survives as you don’t know how extensively the vascular system and roots have been damaged. Lastly, supplemental watering and fertilizing to keep additional stresses away from the tree, are the best initial procedures to follow. If you have any questions please give our staff a call.

If a tree is highly valuable and at higher risk for being struck a lightning protection system may be an option for you. This involves installing cables in the tree that will direct the energy from the canopy into the ground below the tree. The cables run along the length of the trunk and are visible from the ground up and can be costly to install; a few things to consider when weighing your decision.

For a pdf coopy of this factsheet: Trees and Lightning

"Thank you so much for all the information you provide – the watering information, the emails and the flier. I read it all and have learned so much."

– Cynthia K.

We were very pleased with the service and particularly the knowledge & professionalism of your staff. We would certainly recommend you.

Robert & Mary K. | Chesterfield

We are very pleased with the plantings suggested by and picked out by Mike. The men arrived on time to plant the boxwood and witch hazel tree; dug out the stump and cleaned up. They were pleasant and helpful – we couldn’t have asked for a better team.

Ruth S. | Ballwin

We were very pleased and impressed with Dan and his team. We love our new trees and garden.

Lora I | Kirkwood

Thank you so much for all the information you provide – the watering information, the emails and the flier. I read it all and have learned so much. My magnolia trees look surprisingly healthy considering the way they looked when I first called.

Cynthia K. | Des Peres

Kevin Seger provided expert advice and recommendations about tree maintenance and removal. He listened to my needs and provided a thorough and affordable proposal. On the day of the job, I was very impressed with crew leader, Dave and his team (Felix & Adam). They were professional, efficient, hard-working and very neat about clean-up.

John Z. | Glencoe

An outstanding job on the four trees and clean-up after the work and removal. We would be happy to recommend your services to everyone – the best tree service we ever have had here in St. Louis.

Roger M. | Creve Coeur

Kevin was able to come out the same day I called and a crew was out the next day! Great prompt service. I was not at home when the work was done but results show they did a fine job.

Karen B. | Ballwin

Everyone came through as usual when I needed the crew to come back & take out the balance of the fire blight. They did not have a bucket the first time and were so nice and professional about coming back again.

Bob B. | Chesterfield

Thank you again for responding to our urgent need after the storm took down our 2 trees & deposited them across our driveway. Your crew, as always, did a fabulous job. Professional, courteous & it is a pleasure doing business with your company.

Ruth H. | Chesterfield

We appreciate your knowledge and professionalism. Your employees are prompt and courteous and willing to do whatever needs to be done to complete the project. Cleanup was great.

Larry U. | Ellisville

Our goal is to provide you with the best possible service. If you are not satisfied with any treatment or completed job, we will resolve the situation to your satisfaction. We want to do our utmost to ensure your trees and shrubs are always 'green and growing'.

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