Question
Are acorns dead or alive once they've fallen from the tree?

Answer
Sorry I missed the question and went out of town
Acorns are still alive when they fall from the tree. This is the seed of the Oak tree. Depending on the temperature they will stay alive and sprout if in contact with the soil and moisture. Acorns need some cold weather that is why they normally fall in the early Fall or winter and lay under the leaves until spring. One can gather the acorns and store them in the refrigerator until the spring and then plant them in soil and you can grow an oak tree.