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The Herald, November 30, 1979 

THE START of the rains is usually heralded by thunderstorms and this season we have had some spectacular displays of lightning and thunder, as we swing (we pray) into the wet season — late as it is.  

Unfortunately, these storms have been responsible for a number of deaths to date and a number of people living in the country have been struck by lightning when caught out in the open.  

It is usually advised that when a thunderstorm approaches one in the open country, the safest thing to do is to lie on the ground until it has passed, as lightning always looks for something higher than the general landscape through which to go to earth.   Sheltering under a lone tree can be just as dangerous, for this could well attract a passing bolt.  

Many gardeners fear that tall trees round their houses could be a danger by attracting lightning.  

In fact, this is not the case, for there should be no trees round the house lightning could well strike the house itself — so in a way trees are a protection by drawing the strike away.  In Salisbury we have trees struck each year, but as they are seldom brought down, little damages are done to property in the immediate area.  

When a tree is struck, the lightning goes to earth down the stem, often shattering the fibres of the tree and sometimes exploding large pieces of bark from the trunk during its passage, branches are sometimes brought down. The main force however seems to pass directly down the tree to the ground by the shortest route.  

Once a tree has been struck by lightning, there is little hope that it will survive, for its very timbers are shattered and it will have to be taken down as it will die.  

Now the time of heavy, sudden storms is with us, we can expect some tree damage from time-to-time.  

In particular, we find that many of our fine flamboyant trees, presently coming into full flower, will be main sufferers. With the boughs heavily laden with blossom, a drenching storm will put excessive strain on the main trunk.  

Flamboyants, unfortunately, tend to branch at head height with side branches extending at almost right angles from the main stem. This gives characteristic flat top appearance to the tree. 

With the weight of the leaves and flowers, the point where the tree forks tend to open slightly. This allows water to get into the heart of the tree and rot sets in down the centre. A sudden heavy downpour will split the tree down the middle, just when it is at its finest.  

To overcome and prevent this, it will be as well to treat such a fork with tar or tree sealing compound to prevent moisture getting into this vital part.  

As trees are vital to our gardens, we should take precautions to save them, long before the damage is done. Early bracing and propping will certainly be worthwhile for the loss of a tree leaves an awful gap in the garden. 

LESSONS FOR TODAY  

Every year, trees are lost from storm-related events. Major damage to the trees are a result of high winds. Experts say, “Deciding what to do with damaged or uprooted trees is an important process.” 

  Whereas it is important to preserve trees as part of the environment, it is also prudent to consider the dangers that broken trees can cause. Trees that fall due to storms have destroyed homes and cars, and in some cases, caused fatalities. 

 In most cities and towns in Zimbabwe, trees are aged since they were planted during colonial times, but while they still provide beautiful flora and fauna, they can also be death traps.  

 This is not a problem unique to Zimbabwe, as extreme weather patterns are the norm globally. The UN Climate Change Conferences have shown 

 Since thunderstorms are now rife, “The MSD alerts responsible authorities such as the Department of Civil Protection, local authorities, police, rescue services including religious organisations, power utilities, and the general public, to be on the alert for the duration of this period.”