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What Are "Exploding Trees" and How Do They Happen in the Cold Air
Professor Bert Cregg explains that ice cracking occurs when freezing sap causes internal pressure, leading to bark splits; such events are common during deep winter freezes.
- In affected neighborhoods, trees are cracking and sometimes 'exploding' after extreme weather, increasing collapse risks in backyards, parks and communities.
- Scientists point to two causes: freezing and lightning as extreme cold and lightning strikes drive violent splits in wood by vaporizing internal sap into steam.
- If you have large trees, check them after a big freeze; Bert Cregg, professor of horticulture at Michigan State University, says maples, oaks and walnuts are prone to long vertical cracks but can heal over time.
- Structural weakness from cracks raises safety and outage risks as trees with frost cracks or lightning strikes may fail, so communities and residents should monitor trees to protect power lines and property owners.
- Amid wilder weather, officials and residents are watching trees more closely as regions from the South to the Midwest and East Coast face unfamiliar extreme freezes and storms, while viral video viewers amplify concern.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
The arrival of an intense Arctic cold wave in the United States prompted a social media alert about alleged “explosive trees.” Although the term went viral, specialists explained that it is a physical phenomenon known as “ice cracking”, caused by freezing and the expansion of the sap in conditions of extreme temperatures. “explosive” trees in the U.S.: why extreme cold makes the trunks crackThe creator of weather content Max Schuster, identified…
·Buenos Aires, Argentina
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A historic winter storm is currently raging through North America, ensuring that trees "explode," which is behind the phenomenon.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution66% Center
Bias Distribution
- 66% of the sources are Center
66% Center
L 27%
C 66%
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