A viral social media post shared thousands of times warned of an “exploding tree risk." But experts say the dramatic imagery ...

Social media posts warned of "exploding trees" when temperatures drop to 20 degrees below zero.

Learn the science behind "exploding trees," why extreme cold causes frost cracks and which species are most at risk.

Sudden or severe cold temperature can cause trees to experience "frost crack." NPR's Scott Simon talks with Bill McNee of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about what happens and why.

As a major segment of the United States remains engulfed under a furious polar vortex, the freezing temperatures might cause the trees to explode.