Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
HOUSTON — The Texas A&M Forest Service is telling residents to stay alert for a potentially dangerous winter weather phenomenon: “exploding” trees.
In a social media post, the agency explained that while trees don’t actually explode, freezing conditions can cause dramatic frost cracks that create loud popping or cracking sounds sometimes described as explosions.
The phenomenon occurs when temperatures drop suddenly, causing water inside trees to expand and contract faster than the bark can accommodate. This pressure causes the outer layer of the tree to split, with branches sometimes breaking under the weight of accumulated ice.
“These frost cracks happen when sap with branches breaking under the weight of ice can create loud popping or cracking sounds that sometimes get described as ‘explosions,'” the Forest Service explained in the post.
The agency is urging Texans to maintain a safe distance from trees showing heavy ice buildup or visible damage during freezing weather. Officials recommend waiting for conditions to improve before approaching or assessing any broken branches.
For those wanting additional information on winter tree safety, the Texas A&M Forest Service provided a link to educational resources on trees and natural disasters at their website.
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