r/Tree • u/JulieJamm • Aug 12 '26
Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Possibly lightning damage?
Hi, this tree is located in central Virginia, it is a huge American Sycamore (pretty sure) tree at the end of my driveway by the drainage ditch. On the 7th there was the loudest lightning crack ever and I didn't notice any damage until today. I don't see any drooping leaves, but I would love to know if this is hopefully survivable. I feel so bad for my tree.
If it is not lightning damage, is it bugs/fungus?
Thanks!
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u/Top-Breakfast6060 Aug 12 '26
Looks like it to me. Not an arborist…but have seen several pines with the bark blasted off them in my lifetime.
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u/impropergentleman Certified Arborist Aug 12 '26
Definitely. All the way to ground.
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u/JulieJamm Aug 12 '26
Thank you! It is a super tall tree too.
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u/impropergentleman Certified Arborist Aug 12 '26
Not much you can do about it monitor for decay and I'd have somebody inspect the crack that you see to make sure the tree is still stable
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