Starting Thursday, the temperatures in Minnesota are expected to plummet well below zero, to the point that by Friday morning, we could be looking at wind chills near 50 below zero! Apparently, that is cold enough for trees to explode!

Can Trees Explode From The Cold?

Did you know that trees can 'explode' from extreme cold temperatures? They can, but they generally won't look like someone took a stick of dynamite to it. The damage will be limited to the trunk or limbs of the tree, but some of the damage could be severe enough that the tree won't survive winter and will have to be taken down in the spring.

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How Does A Tree Explode In Cold Weather?

When a tree gets struck by lightning or hit by a vehicle, you can see the damage immediately. The trunk might explode, or the damage a vehicle leaves will be extensive and possibly fatal to the tree. But what about damage caused by extremely cold temperatures, like the type we are expecting Thursday night through the weekend?

Inside the tree, there is fluid, known as sap. The sap, just like water, expands when it freezes, and when it expands too much, it causes the tree to split open in places, creating a loud popping noise.

What Happens To The Tree?

When the sap freezes and expands to the point of cracking the tree open, you could see branches fall from the tree, or parts of the trunk open up. Trees that are more susceptible to this type of damage, which are most common in Minnesota, are maples and birch trees.

 What Should You Do If Your Tree Suffers Damage From The Extreme Cold?

In most cases the tree will eventually heal the damage, but the open cracks are an entry point for both insects and disease. If you've got concerns about your trees after they suffer damage from the cold, it would be best to consult with an arborist or master gardener like Bill Cook at St. Cloud State University. A professional will be able to direct you the right way in nursing your tree back to health.

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