Eric Honeycutt, a horticultural specialist with the Moore County Center of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, answers questions and offers advice about gardening in the Sandhills.

Q: I have a tree that was hit by lightning during a thunderstorm. Is it OK to leave it?

A: The rains thus summer were certainly accompanied by some vivid lightning displays. In fact, some lightning may have found its way into your back yard via a nice tall tree.

This summer I’ve had many calls about trees damaged by lightning during a thunderstorm. If a tree has been hit, what should you do?

Your decision about a damaged tree will depend on the severity of the strike. Generally, lightning strikes loosen bark, which may hang in strips. In some cases the bolt will pass through the trunk of the tree and cause severe internal wood damage.

If only a small amount of damage occurred, it may be possible to save the tree. Remove any damaged branches and loose bark and provide excellent cultural practices (mulch, water during drought and fertilizer).

Keep in mind that trees damaged by lightning can die quickly or several years later. If a tree hit by lightning begins to decline, it should be taken out by a professional.

Q: Why didn’t my crape myrtles flower well this year?

A: Crape myrtles are certainly a favorite among gardeners. The reds, pinks and whites create great color contrast in any garden. However, you may not get perfect blooms every year.

So why didn’t your crape myrtles perform well?

It’s difficult to determine the exact reason for fewer flowers, but the cool, wet weather experienced this summer could reduce the quantity of flowers per plant. If your crape myrtles have flowered prolifically in the past, then this may be the cause.

Although little can be done about the weather, certain steps can be taken to ensure that your crape myrtles remain healthy and vigorous.

Make sure crape myrtles are planted in full sun. Plants in excessive shade will not produce many flowers. Shade will also encourage disease such as powdery mildew.

Crape myrtles should only be fertilized in late April-early May just as new growth begins. A general rule of thumb is to apply half a pound of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter.

If pruning is needed, it should be performed not later than March 1. Pruning after this time may reduce flowers in the summer.

Crape myrtles need very little care to thrive. In fact, someone without a green thumb can enjoy the colorful display throughout the summer.