Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

RE: Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

mcb1 — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 07:58:27 GMT

My pick is sunstroke.[View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-825da30c-e32f-40c1-8c70-5800d98e5f59/contentimage_5F00_938.png:16:16]

I understand the English weather has been unusually hot and they just aren't used to it.

As far as I know, lightning is looking fo a discharge path to ground (or is that from ground?) and leaves just aren't going to produce that.

I suspect you have Fire Blight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qFGSZmzGv4

Cheers

Mark

RE: Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

ninjatrent — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 23:54:47 GMT

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.

RE: Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

DAB — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 18:20:53 GMT

Looks more like an infestation, not a lightning strike.

If lightning hits the tree, you should see a scar on the bark.

Typically, the rest of the tree is unaffected, so you would not see the kind of spotty leaf issues.

Check for spider mites or fungi infection.

DAB

RE: Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

14rhb — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 18:10:50 GMT

I don't know about the burning on the leaves, but your idea sounds really plausible. There are many small upward streamers of charge that run from ground to the cloud prior to one of them being used for the main discharge (had that gone back to your tree it would be a bit more burnt !).

As [mention:acaf6a9338de4eef8f6717d5561ed01d:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] said, your neighbour's tree is just full of seeds....it looks like an Ash tree. Keep an eye out for them trimming the tree and you could ask for a few branches to make tool handles from [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-825da30c-e32f-40c1-8c70-5800d98e5f59/contentimage_5F00_1.png:16:16]

I'm envious of the pears though. My tree is of similar height but every year the leaves curl and the fruits drop. I think I can make out one pear hanging on up near the top.

Rod

RE: Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

fmilburn — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 16:35:06 GMT

I have lived in areas with lots of lightning and trees that were struck had damage where the strike occurred along the trunk to ground. Entire chunks of bark could be blown out. I have not seen leaf damage like that in your photos from lightning but that does not mean it is not possible. You might check for mites or other small insects under your microscope :-). Also your local plant nursery may know if it is insects or some kind of wilt.

RE: Possible Lightning Strike - Tree Leaf Post-Analysis

beacon_dave — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 16:24:02 GMT

If you want to 'compare trees' then if you head North, there is a tree in the ancient forest at Landmark near Aviemore ( https://www.landmarkpark.co.uk/attraction/ancient-forest/ ) that was hit by lightning:

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/03/c7/b2/92/landmark-forest-adventure.jpg

https://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/38023009.jpg

Difficult the see clearly in these photos, but it has a scar running up the entire length of the bark...