Exploding Trees? What Asheville Homeowners Should Know About Frost Cracking

Feb 3

If you’ve heard a loud bang outside during a cold snap—something that sounded more like a gunshot than a falling branch—you’re not alone. Across the country, people are talking about “exploding trees.” While trees don’t actually explode, the phenomenon behind the noise is very real, and it can absolutely affect trees here in Asheville.

At Family Tree Care, we want to break down what’s happening, why it occurs in Western North Carolina, and when it’s time to have a certified arborist take a closer look.

What Is Frost Cracking?

Frost cracking happens when trees experience extreme and sudden temperature changes, especially when warm weather is followed by a rapid freeze.

Here’s what’s going on inside the tree:

During warmer weather, a tree’s tissues expand and sap flows more freely
When temperatures drop quickly, the outer layers of the tree freeze first
The interior of the tree cools more slowly and remains expanded
This creates intense internal stress between the frozen exterior and warmer interior
Eventually, the bark and wood split—often violently

When that split happens, it can create a sharp cracking sound that many people describe as a gunshot or firework, echoing through neighborhoods late at night or early in the morning.

Why It Happens in Asheville

Asheville’s climate makes frost cracking more likely than many people realize. Winter weather here often includes:

Warm, sunny days followed by sudden overnight freezes
Rapid temperature swings during late fall and early spring
Cold snaps after extended mild periods

These fast transitions don’t give trees enough time to adapt, especially mature trees that have already endured years of stress.

Which Trees Are Most Susceptible?

Not all trees are equally affected. Frost cracking is most common in trees with thinner bark or faster growth patterns, including:

Maple
Birch
Beech
Linden
Sycamore
Some fruit trees

Young trees and stressed trees—those affected by drought, poor soil, construction damage, or improper pruning—are also more vulnerable.

Is Frost Cracking Dangerous?

The sound itself isn’t dangerous, but the damage can be serious.

A frost crack can:

Run several feet up and down the trunk
Expose internal wood to moisture, pests, and disease
Permanently weaken the tree’s structure
Take years to heal—or never fully close

In severe cases, especially when the crack penetrates deeply, the tree may be structurally compromised and become a safety risk.

Can Frost Cracking Be Prevented?

There’s no way to completely prevent frost cracking, but healthy trees are far more resilient. Proper care throughout the year can reduce the risk and severity of damage.

This includes:

Correct pruning (especially avoiding late-season pruning)
Proper watering during dry periods
Avoiding unnecessary trunk damage
Choosing tree species well-suited for Asheville’s climate

When to Call Family Tree Care

If you notice a fresh crack in your tree—or heard a loud bang followed by visible splitting—it’s a good idea to have it evaluated. What looks minor on the surface can sometimes indicate deeper structural issues.

Family Tree Care is locally rooted in Asheville and the surrounding communities. Our certified arborists understand how Western North Carolina’s weather impacts trees and can assess whether a cracked tree can recover or needs intervention.

If you’re concerned about frost cracking, winter tree damage, or overall tree health, we’re here to help keep your property safe and your trees strong.