«Dangerous Tree Cracks: How Winter Can Worsen the Situation»
22 january 2026 в 22:37
If this winter seems not cold enough to you, imagine how «exploding» trees could worsen the situation. With the drop in temperatures in several states in the U.S., a viral social media post about the phenomenon of «exploding trees» has raised concerns among residents of the Midwest and northern plains.
Find out what to pay attention to this winter regarding frozen trees.
In reality, trees do not «explode», - despite the widespread rumor, but they can crack in low temperatures. Eric Otto, a forest health specialist from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, explained to the Argus Leader that the phenomenon of «exploding trees» is actually called «frost cracks», - which refers to vertical cracks within trees.
«In extreme cases, significant cracking can occur due to sharp temperature fluctuations, which can compromise the structural integrity of the tree and may not heal properly», - Otto noted. «Native trees can develop frost cracks, but non-native trees may be more susceptible to this if they are not adapted to the area. In regions where temperatures rarely drop below freezing, such trees will be even more vulnerable».
No, trees do not actually «explode». As mentioned, trees can crack due to freezing. However, residents of northern states may witness trees cracking and falling.
John Ball, a professor at South Dakota State University, explained to the Argus Leader that the phenomenon of «explosion» is actually the «cracking of the tree».
«If you ever find yourself in the woods and hear a sound resembling a gunshot at the end of the day, it is actually the cracking of a tree—not an explosion», - he clarified.
According to Professor Ball, a tree may crack this winter if the temperature rises on a given day. One side of the tree may warm up, and then, when the temperature drops again in the evening, it may ultimately crack
Find out what to pay attention to this winter regarding frozen trees.
In reality, trees do not «explode», - despite the widespread rumor, but they can crack in low temperatures. Eric Otto, a forest health specialist from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, explained to the Argus Leader that the phenomenon of «exploding trees» is actually called «frost cracks», - which refers to vertical cracks within trees.
«In extreme cases, significant cracking can occur due to sharp temperature fluctuations, which can compromise the structural integrity of the tree and may not heal properly», - Otto noted. «Native trees can develop frost cracks, but non-native trees may be more susceptible to this if they are not adapted to the area. In regions where temperatures rarely drop below freezing, such trees will be even more vulnerable».
No, trees do not actually «explode». As mentioned, trees can crack due to freezing. However, residents of northern states may witness trees cracking and falling.
John Ball, a professor at South Dakota State University, explained to the Argus Leader that the phenomenon of «explosion» is actually the «cracking of the tree».
«If you ever find yourself in the woods and hear a sound resembling a gunshot at the end of the day, it is actually the cracking of a tree—not an explosion», - he clarified.
According to Professor Ball, a tree may crack this winter if the temperature rises on a given day. One side of the tree may warm up, and then, when the temperature drops again in the evening, it may ultimately crack
© Kolganov Andrey
