Summer in Omaha, Nebraska, often rolls in with dramatic thunderstorms, lighting up the sky and leaving trees vulnerable to unexpected damage. While the sight may be striking, the aftermath of a lightning strike can be severe, especially for trees that take the brunt of the impact. Knowing how to respond with the right emergency tree care is critical to protect your property and keep your landscape safe and healthy.
When Lightning Strikes: Emergency Tree Care 101
The Hidden Impact of Trees Struck by Lightning
When lightning strikes a tree, the damage isn’t always immediately visible. While some trees may exhibit external signs, many suffer internal injuries that compromise their long-term health and stability. Trees struck by lightning may experience:
- Splitting or peeling bark
- Scorch marks on the trunk
- Sudden leaf wilting or browning
- Internal tissue damage disrupts nutrient flow
- Cracked limbs or weakened branch structure
- Hidden root trauma that leads to instability
Without proper evaluation, these damaged trees can become dangerous, making emergency tree care vital for ensuring safety and preventing property damage.
Trees Most Likely to Be Struck in Omaha
Certain species face significantly higher lightning risk due to their height, moisture content, and growth patterns. Oak, maple, pine, and poplar trees are all common in Omaha landscapes and are struck up to 300% more often than other species. Their height and water storage make them natural lightning targets.
What to Do About a Fallen Tree
A fallen tree after a storm is more than an inconvenience. It can block roads, crash into homes, or tangle with power lines, putting people and property at risk. In these situations, it’s best to contact a professional immediately. Attempting to clear large debris or saw branches yourself can lead to injury or worsen the damage.
This is where emergency tree removal becomes essential. A qualified team will safely remove the tree and assess the surrounding vegetation for potential hazards.
Investing in Reliable Tree Care Services
Routine tree care plays a key role in reducing the likelihood of storm-related damage. Professional maintenance, such as pruning dead branches or improving structural integrity, can help your trees withstand high winds and lightning events.
Local tree service providers in Omaha offer inspections and maintenance plans designed to protect trees before storms strike. This proactive approach is a vital part of any homeowner’s long-term emergency tree care strategy.
Lightning Protection for Your Landscape
To reduce the risk of serious damage, some homeowners install lightning protection systems on valuable or tall trees. These systems include conductors and grounding wires designed to guide the current safely into the ground. A properly installed lightning rod can protect a tree’s internal structure, preserving its health and stability over time.
If you have legacy trees or large specimens near your home, talk with a professional arborist about whether protection measures are right for your property.
How Lightning Protection Systems Work
A complete system includes copper conductors, grounding cables, and earth connections that safely channel electrical current away from the tree and into the ground. Professional installation is essential as improperly installed systems can increase lightning attraction rather than prevent damage.
How Storms Damage Trees Over Time
Even if a tree appears to survive a lightning storm, the effects can develop gradually over the following weeks or months. Trees susceptible to lightning often face lingering problems, including:
- Delayed branch dieback
- Trunk cracking or splitting
- Fungal infections from internal moisture damage
- Insect infestations in weakened bark
- Structural instability due to hidden root damage
Scheduling prompt tree care services is essential to uncover these hidden issues and begin recovery before the tree becomes hazardous.
Hire a Tree Care Professional
Whether you’re facing a lightning storm aftermath or evaluating storm-weakened trees near power lines, professional help is essential. A certified professional arborist will:
- Safely assess and manage tree damage
- Handle emergency removals without causing further harm
- Recommend recovery treatments or long-term care
Emergency tree care done right ensures safety, property protection, and healthier trees for the future.
Why Emergency Tree Care Matters More Than You Think
From sudden lightning strikes to lingering internal decay, storms can threaten even the strongest trees. Whether you’re responding to a fallen tree, addressing storm damage, or exploring lightning protection systems, taking fast, informed action is critical.
Emergency tree care gives Omaha homeowners peace of mind and the expert support needed when nature takes an unexpected turn. By working with a trusted tree service and certified professional arborist, you can protect your property and preserve your trees, no matter how wild the weather gets.
Tree Services of Omaha – Tree Removal Services
Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and shrubs Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Emerald Ash Borer Treatment, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injection (Tree Healthcare).
Contact us today for a free estimate!
