Are You Seeing More Acorns Than Usual This Year? Here’s Why

Acorns scattered among leaves on the grass — Credit:
Getty Images

Mast years, when oak and other trees produce massive amounts of acorns, are natural cycles that boost wildlife and forest health.
Experts say this year’s mast event—seen across states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and more—is likely caused by ideal weather patterns that helped trees pollinate successfully.
Homeowners should manage excess acorns by raking or composting them, while leaving some behind to feed local wildlife and support ecosystems.

With the onset of autumn comes vibrant leaves, crisp air, and a fair share of fallen acorns. This year, however, you may have noticed an unusually high number of acorns covering the ground. This phenomenon, known as a mast year, involves a significant increase in acorn production as part of a natural cycle.

Instead of a scattering of acorns, mast years bring thick carpets of them, providing an abundant food source for wildlife and significantly influencing the ecosystem. This special event occurs only every two to five years and has a fascinating impact on wildlife and woodlands.

Ahead, experts explore the factors contributing to this year’s acorn bounty, regions likely to be affected, and what steps can be taken to manage the excess acorns on your property.

Marvin Pritts, a professor of horticulture at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science
Maggie Reiter, an applied data scientist with a background in turfgrass and lead scientist at the lawn and garden startup Sunday

Why There Are More Acorns This Year

Oaks and various other tree species experience what are known as mast years, during which a specific species produces an abundant amount of fruit, nuts, or seeds over a wide geographic area, in contrast to most other years, according to Marvin Pritts, a professor of horticulture at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science. Oak and beech trees are particularly prominent this year.

Factors That May Cause a Mast Year

A mast year has a positive impact on both wildlife and woodlands by providing a plentiful supply of food for animals. This abundance also increases the chances that some seeds will survive, allowing them to germinate and regenerate the woodlands.

Although mast years bring these benefits, there is no clear explanation for why they occur. Several factors have been suggested to help explain what triggers a mast year.

Predator Satiation Strategy

The most common theory is that mast years are a way for trees to ensure the continued existence of their species. "From an ecological perspective, this is thought to help the species survive by producing more seeds in some years than predators can consume, thus ensuring that at least some seeds will survive and germinate," says Pritts. This ensures that sufficient seeds remain uneaten to survive, germinate, and grow into new trees.

Environmental Factors

Another theory suggests a connection between weather patterns and mast years. Weather can affect mast years by influencing successful flowering, seed maturation, and pollination. Ideal conditions include dry autumns followed by warm, dry springs, which aid in the pollination of wind-pollinated flowers. "While good pollination weather may be a precondition for a mast year, not all warm, dry springs are followed by mast production of acorns or seeds," notes Pritts. With that, he explains that the exact conditions that lead to mast fruiting in oaks and other plant species remain a mystery.

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Regions Experiencing More Acorns

Recent reports suggest that this year marks a significant mast year for acorns in various regions across the U.S., including notable production in states such as Virginia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

To figure out if you're experiencing a mast year in your area, keep an eye out for an unusual abundance of acorns, both on the ground and still hanging in the trees. You might also want to check local news or wildlife reports for further confirmation.

What to Do With the Acorns

If you'd like to leave the acorns where they fall, go ahead—they'll provide food for local wildlife. However, if you're dealing with an abundance of acorns and want to tidy up, Maggie Reiter, lead scientist at Sunday, suggests raking them into piles and disposing of them in green waste bins or adding them to hot compost.

It's important to note that acorns provide valuable nutrition for wildlife. As Reiter suggests, "Consider leaving them around the base of trees and in unmowed areas of your yard." This simple action can support local ecosystems and help sustain the animals that rely on acorns for food.

Can Acorns Damage Your Property?

In significant amounts, acorns can lead to damage to your home and vehicles. Fortunately, with a little bit of cleanup and preparation, you can easily prevent this damage.

Mowing Hazard

While acorns are unlikely to cover your lawn completely, they can create unsafe and messy conditions for mowing. According to Reiter, mowing over acorns poses a projectile hazard, and it can also dull your mower's blades. To ensure a safe mowing experience, walk through your lawn and remove any sticks and acorns before you begin.

Vehicle Damage

Acorns can create minor dents and dings on vehicle surfaces, especially when there are repeated impacts during a mast year. To protect your car, it's best to park it in a garage or in a location where acorns are less likely to come into contact with it.

Gutter Clogs

Acorns can clog gutters even in non-mast years. Regular gutter care is essential to prevent clogging; however, in mast years, it’s important to clean your gutters thoroughly.