re: My tree was struck by lightning. Is it going to make it?

With the trunk splitting like that, no. Call you insurance company, maybe they will pay for the loss of your asset. State Farm paid for mine.

Nope

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had lots of pine trees survive even multiple strikes. Most hardwoods don't fare so well though.

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Come to think of it, it does seem like its all pines I see with old scars. Maybe hardwoods can only survive very minor strikes or partial strikes. Kinda odd how a pine, which aren't very hardy, can survive but an oak can't. Wonder if it has to do with the characteristics of the tree that deflects the lightning strike to the outer bark and keeps the insides from splitting. Could be a evolved trait since pines are typically tall?


I didn't see the wood split in OP pics the first time. Considering that, I might just cut it. If by some miracle it survives it might just limp along slowly dying for several years.

Trees can survive lightning strikes but that largely depends on how biologically active the tree is when the strike occurs.
As highcotton2 mentioned...

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It boils the water and sap in the tree so probably not.

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If it had been struck while dormant (late fall - early spring) it would stand a much better chance of recovery. A strike during late summer (when the tree is most active) is normally fatal.
Also, large hardwood trees usually die very slowly. I would think that by late next spring, you should have a better idea of whether or not this maple will survive.
Perhaps you could consult an arborist for suggestions on possible steps to aid its recovery such as pruning, fertilizing, supplemental watering, etc.
Good luck and let us know how she does!

In my my experience no. But i have an oak tree that was hit twice alot worse maybe 10 yrs ago and probably was already 50 yrs old when it was hit. And it is like a vertical canoe and it has cone back every year since and we have refused ti cut it just to respect it. But not gonna make any magazine photos. The birds, and nature love it. And have one of its offspring now 7 ‘ tall next ti it when it finally falls.