World of the Bizarre

Americans in six US states warned about the threat of 'exploding trees'

By T.K. Randall
January 26, 2026 ·  4 comments

Image: Beech Tree With Frost Crack Bark Damage
Credit: Rosser1954 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) If you happen to be strolling through picturesque woodland in the American Midwest or Northern Plains this week, you might want to avoid standing too close to the trees.

This is because the cold weather has brought with it an unusual phenomenon known as 'frost cracking' that can cause tree trunks to literally burst outward like an explosion.

According to meteorologist Max Velocity, states particularly at risk of this right now include Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota as well as parts of Iowa and Illinois.The phenomenon occurs when sap and water inside the trunk freeze, causing the interior of the trunk to expand and push outward against the bark until it suddenly and catastrophically gives way.

The resulting fracture can occur so violently that the sound often resembles a gunshot gong off.

The problem is particularly prevalent right now as parts of North America have been subjected to extreme cold with the temperature in some states plunging as much as 30 degrees.

You can check out a local news report about the phenomenon below.


Source: Mail Online | Comments (4)

Tags: Trees, Cold