01/22/2026
You may have seen posts or videos about “exploding trees” popping up on social media due to the impending extreme cold. Do you need to worry? Should you take cover?
While the sound can be startling, our NDSU Extension Forester says trees aren’t actually exploding. What’s really happening is called a frost crack.
Here’s what to know:
- Frost cracks form in winter during extreme cold
-They’re vertical cracks in the trunk, and when they happen, they can sound like a gunshot. No actual explosions happen.
-Some species are more prone than others. In North Dakota, frost cracks are often seen on green ash and chokecherry
-The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s linked to uneven shrinking and swelling of wood and water as temperatures plunge
-We can’t predict which trees will develop frost cracks
-Cracks often close during summer and reopen in future winters
-There’s no cure, though some trees may eventually grow over the crack, forming a “frost rib.”
-The crack can allow decay fungi to enter, which may affect long-term tree health or structural stability
Bottom line>>>
Frost cracks are dramatic but not uncommon in cold climates. Keep an eye on affected trees, especially large or mature ones near homes or walkways.
Reach out to your local NDSU Extension office for science-based answers to your trending tree questions .... even the loud ones 😉
Follow the NDSU Extension - Lawns, Gardens & Trees page for the latest in this area.
