On occasion, both types fail to cause apparent damage, but months later the tree dies from burned roots and internal tissue damage. Tall trees, those growing alone in open areas, trees with roots in moist soils or those growing along bodies of water are most likely to be struck. Though no species of tree is totally immune, some are definitely more resistant to lightning bolts than others. Birch, for example, is rarely struck, whereas elm, maple, oak and pine are commonly hit. The reason for the wide variation in susceptibility is not clear.
Some authorities attribute the variation to the composition of the trees.
It is commonly believed that lightning never strikes twice in the same place. This is not true for some trees have been struck by lightning as many as seven times, judging from the scars on their trunks. Inspect an injured tree carefully before any attempt is made to fix the damage. Many trees are severely injured internally or below ground, despite the absence of external symptoms and will soon die regardless of treatment. Consequently, expensive treatments should not be undertaken until the tree appears to be making a good recovery.