nice walnut tree and hoping this isnt a problem.

[tomsteve]

this is in my neices backyard. ive been admiring it since they bought the house 4 years ago. actually been thinking,"i sure would like to see the lumber thats in it."
but then again, i want to see it live a longer life.
anyways, i was out checkin the yard this morning and looked up to see this at the 1st crotch:

i havent noticed that spot before. im not much of a tree guy but it somewhat looks like a lighning strike. idk if its going to hurt the tree or not,if it could cause problems later on, or if the tree will be ok as is. the tree is 32 DBH and sure would like to see it there for many years.
but then again, i also want to see the lumber!!!
any help is GREATLY appreciated.

 

[buzz sawyer]

I would think a lighting strike would do a lot more damage. How about a larger view of the tree and area? Are there any potential targets should it fall? What is the length of the main stem? Is this a "yard " tree? Any chance of any metal in it?

 

[JeffGu]

Looks like bacterial wetwood to me, not lightning damage.

 

[tomsteve]

I would think a lighting strike would do a lot more damage. How about a larger view of the tree and area? Are there any potential targets should it fall? What is the length of the main stem? Is this a "yard " tree? Any chance of any metal in it?

other than other trees, a shed it coudld hit if it were to fall. not sure length of main stem-20'about? it is a yard tree and does have potential for metal in it.
ill drag out my ladder and get some closer up photos this afternoon.

heres a couple from a distance. one on the right in the 2nd pic is the walnut.

 

[mohick]

If it a stinking walnut in a yard it is a problem poooooooooooooor yard shade tree