Lightning
Natural History
Tree that has been scorched by lightning | Photo credit: Erich G. Vallery, USDA Forest Service - SRS-4552, Bugwood.org
Florida experiences more lightning strikes than any other part of the United States. Trees - which are often the tallest structures in a forest and are deeply rooted - are prime targets for lightning. Trees are natural lightning rods.
Lightning plays various roles in the forest community. It can strike any tree and as a result, old or unhealthy trees may die. Many healthy trees can survive a lightning strike, although a severe attack can kill any tree.
Lightning strikes make trees more susceptible to insect, wind, and disease damage. Lightning strikes can also ignite wildland fires - a natural occurrence in many Florida ecosystems.