Why have i got loads of acorns in my garden this year?

Question

Why this year have i got lots more acorns in my garden. The tree is not even mine!

Answer 1

Oak trees that produce acorns tend to have seed years alternating with very low seed years. Some years there are almost no acorns and others, the trees are drooping from the weight of the fruit. There are other factors that influence the amount of acorns produced in a year - from last freeze to amount of carbon dioxide. All sorts of things. I'll bet next year you'll be amazed to find very few acorns in your garden.

Answer 2

I know that Blue Jays like to eat acorns and will accidently drop them while flying over or while they are trying to peck the acorn open from another tree. I've had many acorns "planted" in my yard this way. Also, squirrels will bury them for a future snack. Sometimes they forget where they bury them and they sprout.

Answer 3

Jays bury them to eat later when there is little food.