Photo: Klara Kulikova on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 27, 2026

A massive winter storm hit much of the United States over the weekend, bringing extremely cold wind chills and actual temperatures in the Midwest, branch-breaking ice in the South, and almost two feet of snow to New England. Across various media platforms, meteorologists shared information to help people get as prepared as possible for the oncoming weather conditions - especially for those in places who aren't used to this type of weather. 

One phenomenon in particular gained traction and began circulating across multiple platforms:  the threat of "exploding trees." 

The "warning" is thought to have started with meteorologist YouTuber Max Velocity, who shared the now viral image on Instagram of the upper Midwest circled with the text, "EXPLODING TREE RISK." The caption of the post read, "EXPLODING TREES are possible in the Midwest and Northern Plains on Friday and Saturday, as temperatures are forecasted to fall 20 degrees BELOW zero!"

The information spread like, well, a piece of an exploding tree, but many in the Midwest, who are no strangers to -20F temperatures, were a bit skeptical. 

While the image of exploding trees suggests something like a "forest minefield," the reality is less extreme. 

According to Eric Otto, a forest health specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the phenomenon is a matter of terminology rather than ballistics, meaning that while trees can crack from extreme cold, an actual explosion is unlikely. Otto told Boreal Community Media that "the word explosion replaced cracking and has caught on."

Frost cracks, typically vertical splits, can occur during rapid temperature drops, such as those seen during our most recent stretch of cold. As the water and sap within a tree's vascular tissues (the phloem and xylem) freeze, they expand quickly. Otto explains that "there can be an audible crack or pop that occurs, which some people have stated sounds like a gunshot, which have might been extrapolated to explosion." 

While the cracks might look alarming, Otto said, "The crack that occurs is vertical and rarely impacts tree health." However, they aren't entirely without risk, as they can provide an entry point for insects, pathogens, or decay fungi. 

Thin-barked type trees, such as maples, birches, and lindens, are most susceptible to cracking. However, when it comes down to it, our trees have largely adapted to survive in cold temperatures. According to a January 22, 2026, press release from the DNR, trees use a biological "antifreeze" made of dissolved sugars and other compounds to protect their structures. For example, quaking aspen can lower its internal freezing point enough to endure temperatures as low as -50°F, according to the DNR.

Additionally, the physical shape of certain trees plays a big part in how resilient they are.  For example, the conical shape of many evergreens is an adaptation that allows heavy snow to slide off flexible, shorter branches, which reduces the risk of limbs breaking during intense winter storms. 

As trees are well-adapted to survive the cold temperatures, Otto shared that "it is perfectly safe to take a walk in the woods...and there will be no tree shrapnel." However, humans should prioritize their own safety by dressing appropriately for the frigid conditions.