Acorn Numbers Surpass Seasonal Expectations [VIDEO]
[onescreen item="5141011"]
LITTLE FALLS -- Area oak trees have been producing an abnormally large crop of acorns this season.
With the dry summer weather some would think there would be a correlation between the two, but that's not the case.
John Korzeniowski works with the Little Falls DNR Forestry Office and says the large crop of acorns we see is a natural cycle done by the trees.
"Bur Oaks typically have a decent crop every other year, and maybe more of a bumper crop over 4 to 6 years."
Each tree within the oak family produces a large crop of acorns at some point every few years. Bur oaks, which grow in the St. Cloud area, typically produce a bumper crop every two years.
"Red Oak trees produces a different acorn crop on a different cycle then the white or bur oaks will do."
This process is done to help control the population of predators that feed on the acorns.
"If the trees produced a steady crop of acorns every year, it allows the predators to have a stable population as well."
Korzeniowski expects to see a minimal crop of acorns next season.