Why do acorns fall from oak trees

This is an example of how nut trees are one year behind in the climate process that affects how much mast they produce, he said. Micro-climates also affect nut production. What's happening in North Georgia is an example of what he means.

It's very localized. Each valley can be a little different, he said. The ridges and passes are where we are seeing the most variability. The bears are coming down into the valleys to search for food because back in the spring the trees that are higher up didn't set fruit. The same localized conditions apply to your neighborhood and to the neighborhoods nearby, Coder said, but probably wouldn't apply to a place miles from where you live. Variations in the amount of mast in the fall has repercussions far beyond whether there are so many acorns that cover the sidewalk that you feel like you're slipping on marbles when you walk your dog.

In a year when there's a large volume of mast or the year after, depending upon animal reproduction cycles, there can be surges in the populations of rodents such as mice, small mammals such as squirrels and chipmunks, larger mammals such as deer and bears as well as game birds such as turkeys. The impact of these population increases can even affect humans. An increase in the number of mice and deer, for example, can lead to an increase in ticks, which can cause a spike in Lyme disease.

On the other hand, when acorn production is low the news isn't all bad. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. All oaks produce acorns. Acorns belonging to trees in the red oak group take two growing seasons to mature; acorns in the white oak group mature in one season.

Oak trees have greenish, inconspicuous female flowers and are wind pollinated. One huge oak can drop up to 10, acorns in a mast year! Masting takes a lot of energy! Oak trees grow slowly in a mast year and grow well the year after. Topics Trees and Shrubs. FAQ Actions.

Was this helpful? Yes No 8. Print Tweet Share on Facebook. Comments 0. Add a public comment to this FAQ Entry. Contact Us with your Question by Email. Your Question Question. Oaks had been producing a massive amount of acorn nuts recently in some of the regions in the United States.

Although seemingly odd to many, the excessive drop of acorns is actually normal and is part of a wider phenomenon known as mast years. The event consists of botanical activity that happens every two to five years. During the intervals, the oak tree produces an excessive amount of acorns that are 20 times larger than its standard production. Based on the reports, acorns falling throughout the mast years could be measured for up to 10, pieces.

The massive acorn fall this year coincided with heavy rainfalls. This allowed tiny plants of the tree to grow again. The abundance of nuts could be felt in any place that has a towering oak tree present in the area. The acorn nuts could fall off more often on the roofs, and more crunches are expected on driveways. One Michigan report stated that a resident experienced a massive acorn fall from two 'epic oaks that stand just right outside their house.

Based on the incident, the abundance of acorns has been abnormally high than the observed rates from the previous months. Some states, however, do not experience the collective acorn drop rate.