Do Trees Really Explode in the Cold? 5Q with Andrei Lapenas

By Mike Nolan

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 3, 2026) — Videos of “exploding trees” have been circulating on social media over the last few weeks, as bitter cold temperatures sweep across the United States.

Most of these videos are AI-generated, leading to widespread misinformation. But what actually causes the loud cracking noises that trees sometimes make in extremely cold weather?

Andrei Lapenas is a professor in the Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability and the science director of UAlbany’s Institute for Transformational and Ecosystem-based Climate Adaptation (ITECA), an initiative focused on advancing climate resilience through nature-based solutions.

We recently caught up with him to get the real story about this phenomenon.

Can trees explode in the extreme cold?

In short, despite the dramatic name, so-called “exploding trees” aren’t actually exploding. What people hear are frost cracks — a natural response when water and sap inside a tree expand and contract rapidly during sudden temperature drops.

Having grown up in Northwestern Russia, I can say these sounds were quite common to hear during severe winter cold, as well as to those living in the northern Adirondacks or Eastern Canada. It rarely causes serious or lasting damage to trees. 

Which trees are most susceptible? 

Thin-barked hardwoods such as maples, beech, sycamore and ash are more prone, particularly if they’re young or already stressed. 

How do trees in colder environments handle this better?

Cold-adapted trees tend to have smaller water-conducting vessels, higher concentrations of natural antifreeze compounds, such as sugars (including sucrose and raffinose) and growth strategies that reduce freeze-thaw stress. For example, they often enter dormancy earlier in the fall and delay spring reactivation, minimizing exposure to damaging freeze-thaw cycles during vulnerable growth stages. In short, they’re built for much harsher winter conditions.

Is cold-related cracking common in the Albany region?

No. While it can happen during abrupt cold snaps, it’s uncommon and not a widespread concern. Most trees here are well adapted to typical winter conditions.

Should residents be worried if they hear a crack?

Usually not. Although the sound can be startling, healthy trees typically recover without long-term damage.