Ask Texas Tree Surgeons: Why Do I Have So Many Acorns?

Nov 22, 2019

Why are there so many acorns this year?

Owners of oaks in North Texas have been asking us about the number of acorns they are seeing in their yards this year. While it’s easy to point to the weather patterns or other environmental factors, those don’t seem to explain the sheer volume we are seeing all over the community.

Another explanation for the proliferation of acorns is that we are in what is called a “mast” year. “Masting” is the biological term for the tendency of trees in a given area to be synchronized in their production of seeds, such as acorns. Weather patterns, animal activity, and other environmental factors can lead to the syncing of acorn production. For a great discussion of the possible causes of masting, check out this article from The Conversation.

What Can I Do About Acorns?

Unfortunately, aside from waiting for trees to slow their natural production, there is not a reliable way to lessen the amount of acorns. Trimming away from driveways and structures can prevent some of the visible mess acorns can leave. However, many trees produce seeds on new growth, so heavy trimming can lead to increased production the next year. While there are some studies underway for chemical acorn and seed control, there are as yet no proven solutions.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers. Whether you have seed-dropping trees or not, keeping them trimmed is the best way to keep them healthy. As weather patterns change, we will continue to see changes in our urban forest. Talk to your arborist or follow our Facebook posts to keep up-to-date on what’s going on with trees in North Texas!