Lightning Damage Pattern

[treeseer]

Today I assessed bark damage on a white oak from lightning. It follows the exact same pattern as the oak at Andersonville described here http://www.tcia.org/PDFs/TCI_Mag_June_07.pdf, and 3 other white oaks. The worst bark damage happens right above major forks.

Has anyone else noticed this? Or have a theory about why these areas get damaged the worst?

Pic 1 is pretty high up, 12" of 30" circumference is blown off.

Pic 2 is the next fork down, 15" of 40" blown off.

Sad thing is, this bark may have been reattachable, if I'd gotten the call in time. Now it'll be expensive to treat over the years, but it still will be done.

 

[lxt]

I did a red oak couple weeks back hit by lightning unable to save it, same scenario. about 30-40ft up right at where the triple lead crown began, was so bad one leader was hangin on how I dont know, the other two were severely damaged at attachment.

I wonder if this area is targeted due to its condensed mass & possible moisture content, most of these situations Ive encountered showed included bark with some form of rot present, possibly cavity formation holding water? just some thoughts!!

LXT..............