Question
Jim,

Have a 30 inch diameter, 40 feet tall elm which took a lightning strike 4/01, destroying a major branch and splitting the bark down to the ground.
The branch has been removed.  The trunk is now showing bore holes, sawdust at the base, an occasional large black ant, and yellow "sweat" bees.  The bark has pulled away and separated from the split.  When a piece of the bark is pulled off, the underside is starting to decay.
Have tried ant bait and bug spray without much success.

Questions:
1. What is the prognosis for the tree, i.e. is a
lightning strike fatal?
2. What is the best treatment for the ants/bees?
3. Should I remove the pieces of bark I can pull off by hand, or just leave them alone?

Many thanks in advance for your help, Jim.  This
is a major tree for our yard that I would really like to save if possible!

Bob


Answer
As far as prognosis--I would wait until next spring and see if the tree is still alive and how healthy it is before I started any treatment. The insects are coming after the sap that is probably ozzing out of the trunk. You can sray the area with a insecticide such as Dursban that should last longer than a household 'bug spray'. The borer dust if it is all around the base of the tree maybe an indication that the tree is dying. The Dursban should help control the borers but the tree maybe dying anyway. I would spray now and wait wait until next spring for other treatments.
The effects of lightning on trees are variable. Some will be severely damaged with much splintering and shattering of wood and bark whereas others will suffer little or no apparent external injury. Lightning may kill trees immediately; other, even though damaged extensively, will continue to grow. Occasionally, trees will continue to appear normal immediately following the strike but may die several weeks or months later. This usually results from root injury which is not apparent.

Treatment of lightning injured trees- Remove broken
branches, torn bark and splintered wood.Delay extensive repairs 6 to 12 months so the full damage
caused by lightning will be apparent. Apply fertilizer to
stimulate growth of trees injured by lightning.

Torn Bark
In some instances, the tearing of bark on large limbs or
the main trunk occurs. This is especially common when
trees have been struck by lightning. Carefully trim away
all loose bark back to the area where it is solidly
attached. A sharp knife or chisel can be used to cut the
bark. Do not cut too deeply into the wood of the tree.
This cutting of the bark is referred to as a backtracking
This may be difficult on large areas. However, trimming the bark in this manner will encourage rapid healing with minimal wood decay.

This can be pretty intensive work so again you need to wait and see if the tree is going to live before begining. Hardwood trees have an excellent chance of surviving where conifers usually do not live long after being hit. Good Luck!