Exploding Trees? Cold Temps Make Texas Trees Burst Freezing temperatures in early February caused so-called “frost cracks” in trees across north Texas.

The recent cold front in Texas has caused frozen trees to start exploding, making sounds like gunshots, according to state residents. In this photo, two birds sit on a tree branch covered in snow.

Earth Science Texas Trees Are Exploding Due to Cold Weather Residents reported hearing what sounded like gunshots go off as the cold weather caused sap in the trees to expand.

Water in a tree's sap freezes and expands in cold weather, causing its limb to snap and creating a popping noise in the process.