u/N8Harris99

Removal was yesterday, and upon inspection the crown was black and rotten, which is understandable seeing as it was struck by lightning over a month ago. The arborist estimates that if the tree had remained for much longer the top would’ve snapped off. Definitely sad to see it go, but relieved to hear that the tree was certain not to recover, even though I had guessed as much. Now the other tree looks lonely.

Brand new fronds in center spear leaf bundle have started collapsing over the last few days. Not sure if it comes across in the photos, but the color of the tree is also decidedly duller and dryer looking than its neighboring taller tree. The taller tree (as of now) doesn’t seem to be showing any symptoms that I can see. Some context for the first photo as well, despite how windy it would appear to be, it was maybe a 5mph breeze at best. The tree is heavily favoring one side.

Recently emerged fronds have started collapsing over the past 3 days. These fronds that have collapsed have all dried out extremely rapidly. I’m beginning to worry this tree may be done-yun rings after all.

Yesterday evening a thunderstorm blew in as my family and I were in the living room, as I was looking towards the window by this palm, I saw the lightning strike & flaming debris rain down on the roof. Felt bad asking them to respond in the middle of a storm, but the Fire department came and sprayed the smoldering upper portion of the tree and the debris on the roof. The pattern of charring on the fronds that fell indicates to me that it was a direct strike. Any chance this tree and its neighboring Washingtonia 15-20 feet or so to its left survive? I know the prognosis for lightning stricken palms is generally not good, but as of now there is no visible splitting, bleeding or otherwise new damage to the trunk that was not already there long before the storm.