Pecan Bark Peeling in Strips: Lightning Strike Suspected

Observation

Dallas, TX: One pecan with bark peeling base to near top, 3–8" wide strips. No prior history. Not typical fungus/insect pattern.

Expert Hypothesis: Lightning Strike

• Lightning follows moisture path in trunk → explosive bark separation.
• Can run vertically in long strips.
• May appear suddenly or be noticed later.
• Internal damage possible (not always visible).

Other Possibilities

• Frost crack (vertical, often south/west side).
• Sunscald (thin-barked young trees).
• Rapid growth splitting (less likely in strips).

Assessment

1. Did it appear suddenly after storm?
2. Check for splintered wood, charring (lightning).
3. Monitor canopy: sudden dieback = internal vascular damage.

Care

• No wound paint.
• Water deeply in drought.
• Mulch ring.
• Arborist eval if canopy declines.

Lightning damage is a "head scratcher" but common in tall trees like pecans. Prognosis varies—some recover, some decline over years.