What can happen if a lightning strike directly impacts a tree without protection?

When lightning strikes a tree directly and there is no protection in place, the outcome can be quite severe. The intense heat and energy from the lightning can lead to significant damage. This can manifest in the tree being burned, not just on the surface, but deeply through the bark and into the vascular tissues. The tree could experience the splitting of its trunk or branches, which may create wounds that make it vulnerable to pests and diseases. In some cases, the tree may die as a result of the extensive internal damages, which disrupt its ability to transport water and nutrients effectively.

This reality highlights the importance of having proper lightning protection systems in place for trees, particularly those in exposed locations, to mitigate such destructive effects. The other options do not align with the reality of how trees respond to lightning strikes, as they typically do not improve conditions for growth or pest management but instead face potential harm to their health and survival.