One broken limb does not automatically mean the whole tree must be removed. The decision depends on the failed union, remaining crown, trunk and root condition, decay, target exposure, and whether a stable structure can remain after correct pruning.
Document storm damage only from a safe location. Wide photos, close views taken without entering the drop zone, dates, weather notes, affected structures, and professional estimates create a clearer record. Contact the insurer for policy-specific instructions; tree-care contractors do not decide coverage.
A lightning-struck tree should be treated as a changing condition. Keep people away, look for hanging branches, fresh cracks, smoke, or fire, and call emergency services if there is an active fire. A visible bark scar does not reveal the full extent of internal or root damage, so monitoring and assessment matter.
