A Time for Reflection

The end of the year is a time to reflect on what has happened during past months and determine what is in store for the future. Many people believe that past patterns are indicators of what is to come — even with the weather — while others look for factual evidence to determine valid correlations.

A debate has been ongoing for many years about whether or not nature gives us clues about how the upcoming winter is going to behave. This year both factual evidence and natural clues seem to indicate a winter that will bring above normal snowfall and 1–3 winter storms. Meteorologists have used tools and models to forecast the above average snow fall and winter storms in the second half of winter (most likely January/February).

One of nature’s clues that has many people believing in the above normal snow fall is the abundance of acorns that have fallen from the trees. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as a mast year. Although scientists have not yet figured out why a mast year occurs, there are multiple theories. One is “predator satiation,” which means that an Oak tree will produce an overabundance of acorns so that the animals will not eat them all and the seeds can be left to grow into future Oak trees. Another theory is that Oak trees produce this abundance of acorns as a survival strategy. Experts believe that trees can sense harsher weather conditions and therefore will produce a surplus of seeds to ensure that they can survive and germinate through unfavorable conditions.

Independent of whether or not a mast year can forecast the upcoming winter, one thing is certain: more acorns typically indicate additional deer and mice will be attracted which may lead to more ticks. Only time will tell how the upcoming winter will treat our region, but in the meantime, make sure to contact us with any of your tree pruning needs while your trees enter into their dormancy state.