Frost crack on tree in Wisconsin (Wisconsin DNR)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — If you’ve opened social media or checked the news at all these past few days, you’ve probably heard about the risk of ‘exploding trees’ due to the upcoming cold temperatures.
While the Wisconsin DNR says ‘exploding’ may be an exaggeration, there is a risk for frost cracking. That happens when the sap inside a tree gets below freezing, and expands.
“This freezing and expansion puts tremendous pressure on the inside of the tree, and if that’s more than the tree can handle, that pressure gets relieved through formation of a frost crack,” said Bill McNee, a Forest Health Specialist with the Wisconsin DNR.
Maple trees are most likely see frost cracks; though any hardwood tree could. McNee says sometimes conifers like pine and spruce trees are affected, too.
And, not all frost cracks are the same.
“It might be a small crack and there’s no sound, or it might be a very large noticeable crack in the tree or a larger branch,” said McNee. “And these can often give off a very large cracking sound that resembles a gunshot.”
Most times frost cracks won’t kill a tree, however the crack could be an entry point for insects and diseases which could then harm the tree.
McNee says if you see a tree with a significant frost crack, call an arborist to come examine the tree to determine if there’s a safety risk.
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