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  • Author Author: shabaz
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Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

shabaz

The UK has been having really nice (hot) weather recently, although there was a brief rainstorm, and possibly lightning during periods over the last few days.

We have small pear and plum trees, about 15-20 feet high perhaps. Anyway, the leaves looked really strange today : (

I'm not sure, but I'm wondering if lightning caused it. There are large trees from neighbouring properties that are much taller, and close by. There was some scattering of strange leaves in them too, and generally in the same area, i.e. the entire trees do not seem to exhibit the effect, but it is localised. I can't see any burn marks on the ground, but I have not checked the grounds of the neighbouring trees.

Notice the browned leaves:

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More close up:

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The pears seem disaffected, but the leaves look toasted : (

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A plant at the foot of the tree:

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A neighbouring tree:

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Scattered clumps of browned leaves in a neighbouring tree:

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Closeup of the browned leaves in a neighbouring tree:

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Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Do the photos above look like lightning damage, or could something else have caused it?

I'd be interested to hear all thoughts.

Parents

  • If lightning had struck the tree, there should be evidence of damage to the tree bark and many green leaves scattered about. I have personally experienced a lightning strike.  It struck a tree near by and reached out and touched me. There was a tingling sensation in my body immediately before it happened. Even part of the charge felt like someone hit me in the head with a sledgehammer.  There was very noticeable damage to the tree bark and green, unburnt and torn leaves everywhere. When I came to, there were still leaves and splintered wood falling. The tree that was initially struck was a Norfolk Pine(has needles) but the deciduous trees in close proximity lost many leaves. The area in which I reside is notorious for powerful thunderstorms. The photos of the pear tree don't  appear to be the result of lightning damage although every incidence is different. Lightning is very powerful and destructive. The evidence would be apparent. The leaves look as if affected by heat and dehydration, maybe a disease but heat is the likely cause of discoloration. If it has been particularly dry season with excessive high temps in that area then lack of water is the culprit. Most trees that bear fruit are very sensitive to environmental conditions. The apple orchards here are not doing so well this year. Fishing has not been good either. I believe as a result of this global heatwave we are experiencing.

Comment

  • If lightning had struck the tree, there should be evidence of damage to the tree bark and many green leaves scattered about. I have personally experienced a lightning strike.  It struck a tree near by and reached out and touched me. There was a tingling sensation in my body immediately before it happened. Even part of the charge felt like someone hit me in the head with a sledgehammer.  There was very noticeable damage to the tree bark and green, unburnt and torn leaves everywhere. When I came to, there were still leaves and splintered wood falling. The tree that was initially struck was a Norfolk Pine(has needles) but the deciduous trees in close proximity lost many leaves. The area in which I reside is notorious for powerful thunderstorms. The photos of the pear tree don't  appear to be the result of lightning damage although every incidence is different. Lightning is very powerful and destructive. The evidence would be apparent. The leaves look as if affected by heat and dehydration, maybe a disease but heat is the likely cause of discoloration. If it has been particularly dry season with excessive high temps in that area then lack of water is the culprit. Most trees that bear fruit are very sensitive to environmental conditions. The apple orchards here are not doing so well this year. Fishing has not been good either. I believe as a result of this global heatwave we are experiencing.

Children
  • in reply to ninjatrent

    Hi Trent,

     

    Sorry to hear about this, that's frightening. I hope all is ok.

    That's interesting what you say about heat. This years weather has been extreme here, especially the past two weeks, (with govt warnings not to go outside due to the heat!) so it could well be causing more unusual effects to the trees/plants than experienced before.

    There is also very bad air quality - international standards are being exceeded in the UK currently in more than 30 towns/cities. Who knows what damage it is doing to plants/trees : (

  • in reply to shabaz

    Hi Shabaz,

     

    It was a positive  life changing experience. The things taken for granted in life have new meaning.

     

    The environment is not well. Humanity's dependence on hydrocarbon based energy does not help. Polar ice melts are rapidly cooling the currents in the Atlantic. Past manipulation of the ionosphere (HAARP) is another contributing factor.  The system is trying find equilibrium.

     

    Lightning strikes produce much of the ozone in our atmosphere. Our atmosphere can repair itself. The most powerful lightning strikes can cause a phenomenon called " Lightning Sprites ". There are some interesting videos on YouTube regarding this subject. It is one of the strangest, and mysterious phenomena in our atmosphere.