Lightning Damage to Trees

Florida is known as the "lightning capital" of the U.S., with Central Florida experiencing the most—hundreds of strikes monthly during the rainy season. If lightning strikes your tree, it may show obvious damage, or it might be hidden. Consult a professional arborist if you think your tree has been hit.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Landscape Plants: Lightning Damages Trees
• Lightning Strikes–Florida Leads the Nation
• When Lightning Strikes

UF/IFAS Publications

• Lightning and Construction Pose Threat to Trees (PDF)
• Preventing Storm Damage in the Landscape (PDF)
• Tips for the Clay Gardener: Lightning-struck Trees (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Dealing with a Declining Tree
• Heavy Rain and Plant Damage
• Hiring a Quality Arborist

Other Sites

• Lightning Protection for Trees--University of Tennessee Extension (PDF)
• Storm Damaged Trees: Prevention and Treatment--University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
• Trees and Lightning--Purdue University Department of Foresty and Natural Resources (PDF)
• When Lightning Strikes Your Tree--University of Minnesota Extension