Being outside, open to the elements, trees are prone to damage from harsh weather in any season. However, recent news of “exploding trees” may have you wondering if it’s really possible and what you can do to prevent it from happening in your yard.

Can Trees Explode?

While trees aren’t known to spontaneously combust, extreme cold can cause limbs to crack. If the limbs are heavy enough, they can also break. This may make a cracking sound, but it’s not as dramatic as an explosion.

Frost cracking impacts trees when a sudden cold snap freezes the sap which then expands inside limbs. This added tension causes the wood to split from the inside out. While limbs are more prone to cracking than the trunk, it’s possible for bark to break off as well, but it’s less likely to bring the tree down.

After cracking, the tree will try to heal itself by sealing the wound in the spring. This may leave a scar on the branch or trunk, but it will survive.

Other Tree-Cracking Culprits

The cold isn’t the only thing damaging trees in the winter. Ice is another issue. The sudden weight to limbs and thin branches can also cause cracks, splits, and breakage. Add heavy snow and whipping winds, and your tree is in real danger. If it’s already leaning, this added pressure could be the tipping point, making it more likely to uproot.

Preventing Winter Tree Damage

Even though an otherwise healthy tree can heal from cracks, any broken limbs become a potential hazard. With this in mind, there are steps you can help to help prevent extreme cold and ice from damaging your trees and property.

• Professional evaluation. Have a certified arborist inspect your trees for splits, cracks, hollows, over-extended limbs, and weak spots. They can recommend fixes—from pruning to removal—that could help keep your property safe from storm damage.
• Reduce weight. Prune heavy limbs over roofs, structures, public spaces, and near power lines. Remove any dead, diseased, or broken limbs that are likely to snap.
• Tree support. Use cabling or bracing on key limbs that could be in danger of snapping.

While it’s less likely your tree will explode this winter, there’s still the chance harsh weather can do some damage. Prepare and protect your plants by being aware of what ice and gravity can do. Plan to give your trees professional care to help withstand extreme conditions and keep everyone safe this season.

---