When temperatures plunge and the air goes painfully still, people in northern forests sometimes hear a sharp crack that sounds like a gunshot. That eerie noise has fueled a viral claim that trees ...

Every time arctic air drops south, and temperatures plummet well below zero, social media lights up with a scary (and slightly cinematic) rumor called "exploding trees." Videos circulate of loud, ...

Social media posts warning of "exploding trees" in subzero temperatures are mischaracterizing a phenomenon known as frost cracks. Frost cracks form when water inside trees freezes and expands. As a ...

Trees don't explode in cold temperatures, but they can develop a frost crack, or vertical fissure in the tree trunk.

I heard a new term this week, “exploding trees.” After more than 30 years with Purdue Extension, I’ve never heard a Purdue specialist use it. But it’s currently a popular story in the media and on ...

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Exploding trees may be taking over your social media feed, but a local gardening expert says you are unlikely to see them in your own backyard. Rick Vuyst, the former CEO ...

Chicago residents are weathering a dangerous cold snap this week — but so are the trees. After a post on X warning of “exploding trees” went viral on social media ahead of this week’s polar vortex, ...

WEST DES MOINES PARKS AND RECREATION FACEBOOK PAGE. RIGHT NOW. STORIES OF TREES EXPLODING IN THE COLD ARE GETTING A LOT OF ATTENTION ONLINE. YOU SHOULD KNOW OFFICIALS ARE DEBUNKING THOSE CLAIMS. IT’S ...