Pin Oak lightning damage

priest · Nov 27, 2005

This young Pin Oak was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm (maybe one month ago). The homeowner called me for advice on saving the tree.

I trimmed off the ragged portions. The tenants have been parking their cars on top of the root zone. The soil is somewhat compacted on the righthand side of the tree from vehicle traffic. I recommended "no parking", fertilization, and installing a mulch bed on top of the root zone. She only wants the mulch bed to extend out in an 8 foot radius from the trunk, however (only half way to the dripline). Better than nothing, I guess.

Any other ideas on saving this tree? What are the chances of it making a good recovery? I figure it has a pretty good shot since it is young and vigorous, particularly with a little TLC.

treeseer · Nov 27, 2005

Vertical mulch outside the 8' bed; inoculate w/ compost and expanded aggregate after aeration.Treat exposed xylem to deter borers.

What was the widest part of the wound, what is circumference at that point? Did you trim loose bark all the way to the top?

KentuckySawyer · Nov 27, 2005

treeseer said:
Treat exposed xylem to deter borers.

What do you treat it with?

Would you only do this during summer months when borers are more active, or is this a year round problem?

priest · Nov 28, 2005

I added the pictures that I meant to attach previously.

The widest portion of the wound was on the lower trunk, and was 4 inches across. The diameter of the lower trunk is approximately 20 inches, so the circumference is about 63 inches.

treeseer · Nov 28, 2005

Not knowing the life cycle of every bad bug in OK, I would recommend treating the exposed wood asap. You can use an insecticide listed for control. Re-treat in spring.

priest, it looks like the bottom of the wound still has some cracked wood there, an infection court that is likely to become a decay pocket. I would try to chisel off all of the damaged tissue.

If you do something to boost root function and alleviate compaction, I'd say the prognosis for recovery is very good.