What is a classic sign of lightning strike damage in trees?

A classic sign of lightning strike damage in trees is the presence of bark blown off or split trunk sections. This occurs when the intense heat and energy from a lightning strike cause rapid expansion and subsequent explosion of water and other materials within the tree. The force of the discharge can strip away sections of bark or split the trunk, leaving visible damage. Such physical alterations are clear indicators of the path and impact of the lightning, demonstrating its destructive potential on the tree structure.

In contrast, while yellowing leaves, irregular branch growth, and excessive sap leaking can indicate various other issues such as disease, pest infestations, or environmental stressors, they do not specifically signify lightning damage. These conditions could stem from a wide array of factors unrelated to direct lightning strikes, making them less definitive indicators of this type of tree damage.