MUSKEGO, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Frigid temperatures can do a number on trees but despite what some videos online suggest, trees are not actually exploding - even if it can sound like it.

Videos circulating on social media show and claim trees are “exploding” during cold weather.

Jonathan Roberts, owner of Husky Tree Services, said the idea of exploding trees isn’t completely accurate.

“When I heard the word 'exploding trees' it was kind of funny,” he said.

Roberts explained that what people are hearing is known as a 'frost crack'.

“If it cracks in that stem, the correct terminology would be a frost crack from that contraction in that stem,” he said. “That is the proper terminology, it isn’t necessarily exploding, it's cracking.”

A frost crack happens when moisture inside a tree freezes and contracts. The pressure can split the bark or trunk, sometimes creating a loud bang.

“Definitely if you stand in the woods today you might hear some loud cracking or firecracker sounds,” Roberts said.

He said some trees are more likely to crack than others, especially trees with higher moisture levels, such as maples or willows. Trees with existing damage are also more vulnerable.

“A lot of times it can happen with trees that have previous failure points or a crack or a shear and you get that moisture in there and it contracts and it makes that failure point even worse,” he said.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also addressed the concern in a statement: “While these cracks can certainly be startling, a true ‘explosion’ would be rare. A large crack seldom kills the tree, but it can be an entry point for insects, bacteria and fungi that can contribute to eventual tree decline.”

If a tree does crack, Roberts said what happens next depends on the severity and location of the damage.

“If it does have a crack or a shear, a branch could fall,” he said. “There could be some things to save it potentially but it depends on the severity and where the crack or shear is on that tree.”

If you notice a large crack in a tree on your property, you should consult an arborist to determine whether the tree poses a risk of falling or dropping large branches.