Expert: Jim Hyland - 5/26/2005

Question
I live near Hershey, PA and I had a pine tree that was struck with
lightning about 2 years ago,  It split the nark in 2 places about 5'
up the height of this 40' tree.  The splits are about 18" and 24"
long and a width of 1".  They run vertical to the ground.  The
inside has turned a grayish white and run down the bark a ways.  
Should I fill these gashes with something or is the tree going to
need removal?  It stands about 15' from my house.

Thank you,  Melvin

Answer
Pines usually do pretty well after a lightning strike. The problem maybe the fact that the roots were damaged IF the strike went into the ground. The best thng to do is to spray the wounds with an insecticide for bark beetles--the beetles are attracted to the sap for the wound and they could kill the tree. I would recomend spraying with Dursban or Onxy insecticide. These are mixed in water and sprayed on the tree trunk. Beynod that there is not much you can do but hope for the best.