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Lightning Strike Nearby

RoyalRobert

By RoyalRobert
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

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RoyalRobert Newbie

RoyalRobert

Posted
Posted

One of our 40 foot tall Royal Palms is growing near a street light.  About three weeks ago the light was hit by storm lightning, no longer worked and was replaced. Because of the closeness of the Royal Palm it also sustained some damage.  Because of the intensity of the heat, the fronds on the side closest to the light are now drooping and dying.  The new growth at the top appears to have been damaged as well.  Fronds on the other side are fine.  Is it possible that the Royal Palm will recover?  Would the application of any fertilizer help the tree?

NickJames Veteran

NickJames

Posted
Posted

It could go either way.

Growing up, one of our queen palms (ironically, the newest/shortest one) was hit by lightning and it immediately fell to the ground, leaving only a six inch tall stump.

redant Grand Master

redant

Posted
Posted

I'm going to bet it's a goner, Royals frequently succumb to lightning strikes. 

  • Like 1

Jupiter FL

in the Zone formally known as 10A

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

@RoyalRobert! Welcome to Palm Talk.

Sorry to hear of your palm's situation.

I hate like heck to say this, but I think you should dry tears, fire up the chainsaw and cut the palm down.

The huge problem is that the lightning strike might have permanently damaged the palm's vital structural integrity. The heat might have cooked the inside; if one half is dead, the other half surviving won't be enough. Royals can take high winds, but they need to be intact. You don't want to find out later that the palm was more damaged than you thought.

As massive and heavy as they are, royals falling down in the wind can be a really really serious problem. I recently had a structurally compromised palm fall down and cause a lot of damage.

There are many replacements, and if you want to consider alternatives, all us here will be happy to help.

Welcome again!

  • Like 1

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

Here’s a picture of my structurally compromised palm after it severely compromised much else around it.

A551D0DD-F5DA-496F-87C1-C62E9DDFEF0C.thumb.jpeg.cc33a1e35b266878aab94921044c645c.jpeg
7B684F69-736B-43A2-877A-AA2DD5DEC2C1.thumb.jpeg.2e1f12ad54322c3c9a3c8b0c1dcf4a9d.jpeg

097E7E73-7513-43D7-B4BC-4C980E48E05C.thumb.jpeg.82ddfc9566032683bb22d8f0d9b3352a.jpeg

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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