Frost cracks appear as vertical splits in the trunk of a tree and are the result of plant tissue expansion and contraction.

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 ...

A viral social media post warned Midwesterners about the dangers of "exploding trees" as extreme cold weather hits the region. But is it true? Do trees really explode during very cold temperatures? It ...