Connecticut's Acorn Crop Is Crashing: What That Means To Residents

CONNECTICUT — New research conducted by state botanists is forecasting widespread acorn crop failure for the upcoming fall 2022 season, following last year's above average crop.

The Connecticut Oak Mast Surveillance Program monitors mature trees, 300 red oak and 275 white oak, across Connecticut and annually assesses acorn crop abundance during a two-week period in August. This year's assessment is a grim one.

"Oaks are a foundational component of many forest ecosystems in southern New England and their health is directly correlated with the health of the forest," said Joseph Barsky, lead forest researcher at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Acorns are a primary fall food source for over 80 wildlife species in the area, including white-tailed deer.

At this point there is little Connecticut residents can do, other than slow down:

"Without a consistent source of acorns, deer will wander in search of alternative food sources, resulting in increased potential for collisions with vehicles," Barsky said.

This fall's acorn crop bust is the latest on a list of rough hands being dealt to the continued regular development of oak seedlings in southern New England. Other speed bumps include regeneration failure due to increased browse pressure from locally high white-tailed deer densities, competition with interfering vegetation for available sunlight, and past widespread "gypsy" moth outbreaks which have led to acorn crop failure and oak mortality throughout the region. Weather activity, such as the recent drought and past ice storms, have also negatively impacted tree vigor and health, according to a CAES news release.