Question
I have a very large, old oak tree in my yard.  I know it's over 50 years old.  It doesn't have acorns every year, which I know is normal.  But it's been 2-3 years since this tree has had them, and I wondered if that is also normal, or if it has a problem.  It's not dropping branches or leaves more than normal, however sometimes it drops the end of a branch with 5-8 leaves on it, and it's broken right at the base.  The problem is it's not on my property, so I couldn't treat it if I wanted to.  It's a beautiful tree that provides me with lots of shade, and I'd hate to lose it!

Answer
Jeanne, I would not worry about the lack of acorns, most Oak species have every other year cycle for acorn production but this can be altered by seasonal conditions. In-fact plants in general tend to produce more seeds or acorns in this case, when they are under stress and near the end of there lifespan so the lack of acorns may mean that your tree is healthy and doesn't feel the need to reproduce this year. I would bet that next year you will have a bumper crop of acorns? I hope this helps!

        Regards, Gary Overton