(WFRV) – Amidst plenty of viral posts regarding ‘exploding’ trees due to cold temperatures, officials with the DNR provided some clarification.
WFRV talked with a Forest Health Specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about the possibility of ‘exploding’ trees in frigid weather. Temperatures are expected to be well below zero in Wisconsin starting Friday morning.
It was mentioned that when it gets cold enough, the sap in a tree can turn solid. When this happens, there is a very sudden physical expansion which can sometimes lead to a crack or branches splitting.
While getting to the level of ‘exploding’ is extremely rare, residents might hear a loud sound coming from the tree. Homeowners were encouraged to have someone come look at a tree that may have cracked or had a branch split off. This is for safety reasons.
Parts of southern Wisconsin had record rainfall in 2025 which could lead to trees having more water in them. The Forest Health Specialist said he has never seen a tree ‘explode’ due to cold temps and it is extremely rare.
He also said that trees in areas north of Green Bay could be dehydrated due to the lack of rainfall in 2025. This could make it less likely for the phenomenon to happen.
Ahead of dangerously cold weather, popular Green Bay pizza place will close for one day
Temperatures in northeast Wisconsin are expected to be as low as -20 on Friday. The wind chills could reach all the way down to -45. Saturday won’t be as cold, but wind chills could still get down to -25.
Click here to learn more.
