How is your tree now ?

You posted this in Feb, so I guess you can see, now, if the results of your treatment where successful or not.

Hi Popi
The tree is ok.... it divides about 1m up from the ground, and then divides again, and the trunk that was struck is slowing dying I think, but the other sub-trunks are ok.

It is a slow process - the branches from the struck trunk are all slowing losing their leaves, and every now and again I have to climb up and cut them down. The large scar where the strike leapt from the tree to the ground is getting bigger and is moving upwards, and I dont know when that will stop and the bark will heal on the edges. But I think the rest of the tree will live.

I suspect that if it were a tree with mostly a single trunk, the shock would have damaged much more of the lower area and probably it would die. But some continued care and plenty of water should take care of it.. this summer though will be the test.

thanks for asking.
Phil.

Hi Phil. Is it an option to cut the affected branch off, below where it was damaged?

not really - It looks as though several high branches were struck (dont really know how lightening works, but I think that it can travel outside the tree, or inside in the trees vascular system - both are damaging, but inside travel more so). In my case, I suspect the strike hit several high branches and ran down the outside ofthe tree, then grounded (which is where the large scar now is). All I can do it cut back the dying high branches and try to feed the rest of the tree. the scar keeps getting bigger and higher though...

Hi Blackolive,
Sorry to say your lillypilly sounds like it may become a widowmaker, without getting an ultrasound examination of the trunk and major branches, the tree will always have that unknown dangers of collape of the tree at any time.
The parts of the tree that are dead or dying are left open to attack by white ants, borers, disease, rot etc,will be hanging there just waiting for an opportunity to fail and the tree to collapse at some un oppertune time in the future, possible with someone climing the tree or sitting near the tree and being injured by the tree falling.
IF IN DOUBT CUT IT OUT ???? Please be saftey minded of yourself and others that may use the area around the tree.
A ticking time bomb possibly. You can always get a new tree, but if it falls on some one or something, maybe abit harder to replace. Good luck Peter r