Thread: Light ing and irrigation systems school me.

So, big ass global warming induced storm blew thru the neighborhood today. Hit two trees side by side in our yard. The bark is gone in a 1" gash up both trees. The ground is gurgling up water at one of the sprinkler heads on our irrigation system. What can I expect to find as I dig to repair ? Just the head is shot or does the lightning frag the water lines in the area where it strikes ? What about the electrical connections and the control box ? Any anticipated issues that I should be on the look out for ?

Yes, totally a first world problem here, but a bitching wife is universal........

You starting a grow house?

Originally Posted by Hugh Conway

You starting a grow house?

"Starting" a grow house ? No.

Originally Posted by OSECS

"Starting" a grow house ? No.

WIN!

I would think the control box is toast if close enough to strike. May have fried a circuit that controls the zones. Happened quite a bit when I worked on a golf course back in the day, seemed we changed out controllers at least once or twice a year after a good storm.

the water coming up from the sprinker... is it the low one on the zone? if so... could be valve failed open but water flow was not turned on. If that is the case... have the wife put on something sexy and see if she can turn it on.... take pics.

Originally Posted by OSECS

So, big ass global warming induced storm blew thru the neighborhood today. Hit two trees side by side in our yard. The bark is gone in a 1" gash up both trees. The ground is gurgling up water at one of the sprinkler heads on our irrigation system. What can I expect to find as I dig to repair ? Just the head is shot or does the lightning frag the water lines in the area where it strikes ? What about the electrical connections and the control box ? Any anticipated issues that I should be on the look out for ?

Yes, totally a first world problem here, but a bitching wife is universal........

Sorry don't do marriage counseling but may be able to help with other issues? Former certified arborist and landscape professional - where do I send the bill for the consulting fee? Lightning strikes are a bitch as I am sure you are figuring out.
Keep an eye on those trees that were hit - depending on species and amount of damage they may or may not survive in long run. If significant trees in landscape call in professional tree care company like SavATree or The Care of Trees in your area to have an arborist look at them. They may benefit from low nitrogen root stimulants or other "feeding" to improve/maintain health. If trees have targets (house, property or near power lines or street/driveway) they may present a future hazard as decay results from lightning strikes and they may need to be taken down.
Irrigation damage - probably no easy answer but dig and find out. I imagine that the lightning fried the control wires as it was seaking a path to ground but you may not know until you fix leaks. Is the control damaged (computer type thing found in garage or basement that runs system)? Can you run system manually still from control? Hopefully control and wires not damaged - that could get expensive to replace. Leaks? - mark location of leak and dig and repair leak. May find all repair tools and supplies at Lowe's or Home Depot. Once you fix first leak turn on water and repeat - you certainly may find more than one. Check your homeowner's policy or call your agent to see if your covered. Good luck.

I've been maintaining this system for a number of years so I know where lines are. Yes it's a low end zone in the system, actually near the above ground piping and shutoff valves. The control panel will be checked tomorrow and I'll dig up the exploded head as well. The control panel is a pretty good distance from the area, so hopefully distance may be an ally.

Never had a lightning strike in the 13 years we've been here. So this is new territory.

The trees are large, but not what I'd call specimen examples of Red oaks. Both around 50 or 60 years old, decent masts but nothing picture worthy. Both on the north side of our property so no big loss of shade to the house should they die.

Gonna be a muddy Saturday morning.

I too thought this was a question about setting up a clandestine grow op. And knowing OSECS that seemed sort of out of character...

Originally Posted by Harry

I too thought this was a question about setting up a clandestine grow op. And knowing OSECS that seemed sort of out of character...

Hey, I'm a complex guy ......

^^^ switched avatars ??? Did'nt you use that one a few years ago ?

Originally Posted by Harry

^^^ switched avatars ??? Did'nt you use that one a few years ago ?

Yep the first one, Brought it back today in memory of Jerry.