01/23/2026
Learn more about this exploding topic from our very own Julie Crick, MSU Extension Natural Resource Educator!
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1288709673289760&set=a.540368951457173
You've probably already heard. It's "exploding tree season" in Michigan right now.
But can this ACTUALLY happen, and if so, why? We had to turn to our resident experts in all things TREES.
Natural Resources Educator Julie Crick has this to say:
"It is possible for trees to 'explode,' but it is rare. To explode, a tree experiences a wild temperature swing from near freezing to bitterly cold very quickly. While our temperature swing did reach nearly 30 degrees [recently], previous days were well below freezing, making the trees less susceptible to a flash freeze that could cause an 'explosion.'
"Trees can be characterized as either ring porous or diffuse porous; the difference lies in the size of the cells that transport water as the tree is actively growing. Ring-porous species can be oaks, hickories, elms, and catalpas.
"Ring porous species are more likely to 'pop' in the bitter cold weather due to the large size of the vessels. While this may cause cracks or breaks in the wood vessels, it generally does not cause a tree to explode.
"Bottom line is that while trees can explode, it is rare and occurs under the right weather conditions. Ring porous species will create a startling pop, but they will recover. There isn’t much that can be done to prevent this from happening."
