New member here with a question

[tdb1977]

Good day all. I am a new member on the forums. I have been to the summit of Mt. Washington a couple of times and I have found the place to be absolutely beautiful. One of the nicest places in America. I'm hoping to get back to the summit again this fall when I get back to Northern New England, but its hard to get up there when living down in the Pittsburgh area.

Now, my question is. Has anyone seen or heard of trees exploding when it gets to cold? I have someone at work that is professing that trees just spontanously blow up when it gets to cold because the water inside the tree expands rapidly and the tree just lets go. I just want to put this whole entire debate to rest. Thanks for anyones help.

[WeatherKeeper]

Lived in NH all my life; have never heard of a tree exploding before because of the cold. Snap, Crackle because of cold and wind... yes, but no pop as far as I know. The only time I have ever seen a tree explode is when it has been hit by lightning.

[Brad]

Never heard of it. Till now.

Check out http://www.answers.com/topic/exploding-tree

[Bill O]

On the topic of trees exploding to the extent that your friend thinks they explode...no, it doesn't happen. I think there is a skit on NPR that comes out about this time of year about trees exploding. Sap freezing, wood chips flying everywhere, shrapnel, etc. It's just a story.

Now, there are billions of trees in the world and I'm sure thousands have been damaged due to freezing or boiling. Saying they exploded is a bit of a stretch though.

[tdb1977]

Thank you very much for the answers. The guy at work believes he knows everything and whatever he says is the correct answer. Somedays, it just not worth trying to come up with any reason with him, because we are all wrong and he is all and might correct. I do appreicate all your help.