Lightning tree strike

Question: Lightning struck a 40 year old pine tree in our front yard last Monday. View the attached photos and tell me what the prognosis is and is there any action I should take now to save the tree.

responder: Suzanne, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites:  BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.edu Replied July 28, 2023, 11:56 AM EDT
response: Goodness! That is some serious injury your poor tree has sustained! This is not going to be the quick and easy answer you were hoping for but this is well beyond the scope of advice we can give. You need to talk with an arborist and see IF it can be saved. IF saving it is your goal, do not expect it to be quick or easy. I am a fan of asking trusted friends or neighbors for references but here is OSU's advice: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1032 My sympathies are with you and your lovely tree. Good luck  If you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.eduTell us what you think, take a short survey HERE

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2023, 5:35 PM EDT
response: Hiring a arborist isn't in my budget. Can you point me to any publication? Or just throw out a suggestion?

responder: Suzanne, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites:  BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.edu Replied July 28, 2023, 9:35 PM EDT
response: I do not know where you live but where I am, I can call a tree service and tell them what my issue is and someone will come out and tell me what I need to do and quote me a price. I am not committed either way. I suspect the answer will be to take it down but if you make it clear you are more interested in saving it, then you will be advised if it is possible and of the cost.  It is not that I do not wish to help you; this is a situation beyond a Master Gardener's training and expertise. Further, we are not permitted to recommend companies nor products.

responder: Suzanne, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites:  BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.edu Replied July 28, 2023, 9:59 PM EDT
response: I do not want to leave you totally high and dry. Here is an article from Texas A&M that addresses to some extent your issue. I still believe you ought to call in an expert if you care about your tree and I fear there is little to be done because of the extent of the damage, but maybe you will find this helpful: https://texashelp.tamu.edu/browse/by-type/naturally-occurring/severe-weather/trees/