If you have oak trees on or around your property, it’s likely you’ve noticed acorns dropping at a much higher rate than usual this year. Acorns may be good for wildlife, but they can be quite a nuisance when they constantly fall on your driveway or walkway.
An increase in the number of acorns falling is an indication of a “mast year” for oak trees. In other words, the acorn production of oak trees has increased significantly due to favorable weather conditions, as well as healthy soil and many other factors. It is common for larger oak trees to produce up to 10,000 acorns during mast years, which typically occur once or twice every five years.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions during this time of year, and the answer is easy… dormant season pruning. When overgrown oaks are pruned, branches and shoots are reduced which helps control the production of acorns. If the oak tree’s branches are not pruned, they will continue to grow, increasing the surface area for acorns to grow. Though pruning won’t eliminate acorn production, it will significantly reduce acorn production with results that are evident year-round.
For more information about dormant season pruning, give us a call at 678-541-7768 or click here to schedule a free consultation with one of our Certified Arborists. With Top Tier Trees, you can count on receiving tree care you can trust.