This afternoon lightening hit one of our biggest trees and split it in half. I have a photo of it posted here.

What are the chances of this tree surviving? What can we do to help it survive, if that is possible?

Thanks for your help.

Why would anyone want such a horribly disfigured tree to survive??? I'd say the lightning probably finished it off.

quote:

Originally posted by two2manycats:
Why would anyone want such a horribly disfigured tree to survive??? I'd say the lightning probably finished it off.

If you knew how tall this thing was you wouldn't ask. There is no way to fall it without damaging someone's property if not several. That means we would have to foot the cost of having a cherry picker come out and saw it down sections at a time. The cost to have that done is astronomical. Besides, in a few years the scar wouldn't be anywhere near as noticeable. We loose parts of trees every year. It is just the first one hit by lightening that we cared about saving.

The health and overall condition of this tree must be severely compromised. And knowing that you have a hazardous tree (defined in part by the fact that it would likely fall on other's property if it came down by accident) could put you in a legal situation if you happen to have neighbors that might sue. Consider that the cost of taking out the tree might be cheaper than a lawsuit. (Maybe you could work a deal where a local company or arborist could use your tree for "practice" and give you a discount, or you could arrange a payment plan...)

Thanks Cindi. That was what I was afraid of. I guess we'll have to figure something out about the removal. I never thought about a practice tree. I suppose it is worth a shot.

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