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What is 'frost crack' and how does it affects trees?

By Scott Simon
Published January 24, 2026 at 6:28 AM CST

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.

Copyright 2026 NPR
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Science & Technology Science
Scott Simon
Scott Simon is one of America's most admired writers and broadcasters. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First. He has reported from all fifty states, five continents, and ten wars, from El Salvador to Sarajevo to Afghanistan and Iraq. His books have chronicled character and characters, in war and peace, sports and art, tragedy and comedy.
See stories by Scott Simon
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