Extreme cold may cause trees to crack with gunshot-like sounds

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Trees in central Wisconsin may experience frost cracking as bitterly cold air returns later this week and continues for an extended period.

As temperatures drop rapidly into double-digits below zero, the outer part of a tree trunk can shrink more quickly than the inside. The stress of the rapid and drastic cool down makes the tree’s trunk split suddenly, causing a loud “bang” that may sound like a gunshot.

Frost cracking can happen when it is bitterly cold during the winter season, but can be more likely to happen when arctic air brings clear, calm and bitterly cold nights. These conditions cause temperatures to plummet well below zero.

Most trees are susceptible to frost cracking, but it may be more common with younger trees, maples, poplar and ash trees.

Frost cracking can damage trees with deep splits in their trunks before the growing season begins. These cracks can make a tree more prone to additional damage, disease and insects.

As springtime returns to central Wisconsin in the next few months, residents should look at their trees and identify any that may have been damaged due to frost cracking this past winter.

You can read more about frost cracking from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources -> Cracks in trees during winter in Wisconsin

Click here to download the WSAW News app or our WSAW First Alert weather app. Submit Weather photos here!