[triumph75]

My poplar tree was hit by lightening last summer. The tree lost every leaf within 1 month. There were several lateral strips of bark about 6 to 8 feet long blown off the trunk. I felt sure the tree would die but to my amazement the tree is getting buds all over this spring! My question is: How should I repair the areas of bark which were blown off? Should I repair it? I was considering painting tar on the bare areas to protect from bugs.

[Fine Edge]

Maybe a pruning sealer , I'm not sure how actual tar will work on a tree. I had a large white oak hit on my property about 10 years ago and blew small chunks of bark in a good 40' radius. Just like your poplar, my tree leafed out and has been healthy ever since & I didn't put anything on it.

[Pelican]

I don't claim to be a tree surgeon, but a tree man I subbed on a job told me the theory behind dealing with wounds has changed, that they don't apply sealing products much anymore. By now that tree should have healed to the point where it isn't suffering moisture loss, so is keeping with my tree guy's advice, I'd just let it heal naturally.

[triumph75]

Thankyou....I think I'll let mother nature do her thing.

[NCSULandscaper]

just let the tree seal over on its own

[start2finish]

poplar trees are lightning rods anyway, i would keep an eye on the tree for dead wood that will fall.