Exploding trees: the winter phenomenon behind frost cracks

2026-01-30 - 06:25

When temperatures drop suddenly, trapped water can freeze and expand, splitting trunks with a gunshot-like sound During the recent cold spell in the northern US, meteorologists issued warnings about exploding trees. A tree’s first line of defence against freezing is its bark, which provides efficient insulation. In cold conditions, trees also enter a form of hibernation, with changes at a cellular level: cells dehydrate, harden and shrink, increasing their sugar concentration. This is the botanical equivalent of adding antifreeze, helping to prevent the formation of ice crystals. Continue reading...