Why Are There So Many Acorns? 2023

What Is Going On With The Acorns This Year?

This year there seems to be a plethora of acorns everywhere. So why are there so many acorns this year? This seems to be a mystery that even scientists are not quite sure about. Read on to find out the possible causes of this strange phenomenon.

Masting

When acorns and other nut bearing trees produce an abundance of acorns/nuts in a particular year, it is known as masting. This year happens to be a masting year for oaks (mainly red and live oak trees), walnuts, and beeches. Masting in trees can happen any time within 2-5 years. In contrast, on a non-masting year the trees will produce smaller amounts of acorns. Some trees may not produce any acorns/nuts at all. Some years you may not notice any difference at all. But this year seems to be the year that you need to watch where you walk. From getting hit in the head to walking on the round full bodied acorns and possibly slipping and falling you will need to be careful. It can be dangerous out there.

What Is The Cause Of Masting

Masting is somewhat of a mystery for the scientist involved in horticulture. Particularly, one claim that many scientist can agree on is that masting happens to ensure the survival of the tree. A plants purpose in life is to reproduce and ensure the survival of its species. Additionally, when a tree produces an abundance of acorns it is trying to produce enough for both wildlife as well as some acorns sprouting along the way.

Weather

One of the newer claims as to why we are having so many acorns is caused by the weather. This past year (in Texas) we had a very lovely spring with lots of rain and plenty of sunshine. However, that was followed by drought and extreme heat across most of the state, including much of the country. Additionally, this fall we happened to get rain at just the right time to help the trees along. When conditions have been stressful for the tree and then the weather is nice the trees start acting as if they need to take any chance they can to survive. So, the trees begin to produce many acorns. This is their best opportunity for their species to survive.

Trees depend on wildlife to help spread acorns. The animals pick up the acorns and transport them to another location. Squirrels will bury the acorns helping those tree species survive. With the amount of acorns this year you are sure to have some sprout and grown into small trees. It is advised to make sure that you pick up your extra acorns so you don’t have large amount of trees sprouting in the coming months.

Plant Communication

Believe it or not, plants have ways to communicate with each other. Plants can send out chemical signals notifying nearby plants of insect or disease attacks. These signals alert the nearby plants of the attack helping other plants to develop defensive genes that will protect themselves. It is similar to an SOS signal. Interestingly, the attackers can also tell when a plant has sent out its defensive call and use it to locate the place of weakness. Flowers use plant communication to send messages for pollination to help reproduction for their species. It is believed that something similar might be happening to trees when they produce an abundance of acorns. Trees could be signaling to each other that they need to produce lots of acorns to survive.

How Does Masting Affect the Trees

No one knows for certain why masting occurs. What has been studied is how masting affects the trees and their growth. When a tree produces an abundance of acorns there is somewhat of a give and take within the tree. Trees make their own food through a process known as photosynthesis. Trees use the energy that they get from sunlight, through the intake of water, and through carbon dioxide. They get the water from the soil that is absorbed through their roots. It is then transported to the rest of the plant. The carbon dioxide comes from the air around the tree. The sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide helps to create energy for the rest of the tree.

When trees use energy to grow it will take energy away for the plant to reproduce. In contrast, if the plant spends energy reproducing, it will not use energy to grow. During a masting year, plants will use and deplete the energy reserves that have been stored for future growth. It is common to see a shorter growth period during the next season after masting. Similarly, when trees have a large growth period there may be a lower than normal acorn production.

Watch Out! Those Acorns Are Poisonous

One of the little know facts about acorns is that they are poisonous if eaten raw. The raw acorns have tannins in them that can make you very sick. Raw acorns are fairly bitter tasting giving you a warning not to eat them. On the other hand, leaching the tannins out of the acorns can make them safe for human consumption.

Raw acorns are also poisonous to horses, dogs, and cattle.

My trees

No one knows for sure why trees produce such a large amount of acorns every few years. We do know that trees are just trying to ensure their survival within this harsh climate that we just had. As a horticulturist, this summer was difficult. I can tell you have I watered my trees with good deep watering practices. I have two live oaks in my front yard. My trees do get some relief from the sun at their tree trunks in the late afternoon. My house happens to shade the base of the trees. I am not sure if that played a part in my trees acorn production as I was only trying to keep them alive and healthy during this time. However, I did not have as many acorns as my neighbors. I will continue to maintain good plant practices to ensure the survival of my plants.