Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

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.

That's a great idea! I've sent them an e-mail, stating that although I'm not a paid-up member, the engineering community would appreciate their opinion 

Hi Shabaz,

I like the notion that the low currents in the upstream charge flow has caused this damage, in the same way that mountain climbers say their hair stands on end and their iceaxes spark etc.

You could try emailing the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) who are usually really helpful as they could advise on bugs/virus/dry weather symptoms.

Rod

Hi DAB,

You could be right. I haven't seen anything like this before : (

I've checked the bark, and it doesn't look unusual. Perhaps it is an infection as you say.

Hi Rod,

Hehe yeah we do get pear overload each year.. that tree has been there for decades, although it did get severely damaged early in its life, when a chopped tree fell on it. We have a poking stick for the young nephews to use to pull the pears off.

I've uploaded a video to for a closer look at the trees, I did mess up, those were seeds : ( Nearby is another large tree, and it appears to have browning right above me, when I'm standing next to the pear tree, (I did look at the rest of the tree for similarity - but I still feel it's too much of a coincidence that the the large tree, and the nearby plum tree, have such coloration only near to the pear tree. It could be subjective, maybe I'm only seeing the coloration closest because that's what I'm seeking, despite looking elsewhere on the trees too. : (

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The pear tree overall has extensive damaged leaves. I've got some closeups of a leaf from it..

More zoomed in:

Other side of it: