Found out my local oaks have been dropping acorns like crazy this fall and it's not just my imagination

Was reading this article from the forestry service about mast years and apparently 2024 is a big one for red oaks in my area. I counted 47 acorns in a 10 foot square under one tree in my yard yesterday. I had no idea trees sync up like that to overwhelm the squirrels and it explains why my lawn looks like a minefield lol. Anyone else seeing way more acorns than usual this season?

2 comments

2 Comments

pat_hall871mo ago

Huh. I mean, I guess it's interesting if you're into tree stuff. But 47 acorns in one spot? That's like, a Tuesday in my yard. My neighbor's been complaining for weeks, I just rake 'em into a pile and call it a day. Maybe it's a mast year or maybe the squirrels are just getting lazy. Either way, a few acorns on the lawn doesn't seem like something to write home about.

matthew_wilson461mo ago

Wait, do you really think 47 acorns in a 10x10 space is normal, @pat_hall87? That's way above average for most trees and the forestry service data backs that up for red oaks this year. It's one thing to have a messy lawn, but when trees gang up like this it's actually a cool survival trick worth noticing.