Exploding trees? I saw some of the social media posts warning of timber-related shock and awe. In fairness, I did hear loud popping Thursday night as the mercury approached minus 20 degrees.
And, no, it wasn’t my aging joints. The trees were experiencing something known as “frost cracking” or thermal contraction. When temperatures plummet, the outer layers of tree bark and wood contract quickly. The inner heartwood of a tree, which is insulated, remains warmer and does not contract at the same rate. The result is an imbalance; the tree relieves pressure by “snapping vertically,” often from the roots up to the branches. Maple, ash and walnut trees are most vulnerable, not pine trees, and it doesn’t permanently damage the trees.
A historic snow and ice storm will spread from the southern U.S. into New England by Sunday. Very little snow here, just a few puny clippers in sight.
After 21 degrees below zero Friday morning at MSP I do see some milder days ahead: 30s, maybe a few 40s the first week of February? I daresay the trees are smiling.
