Stand outside awhile, and you'll hear the thunk thunk of acorns hitting the ground. They're obviously immature and not suppose to be falling this early. I'm guessing it's our lack of substantial rainfall this year, and the live oaks (Quercus virginiana) are stressed. According to the Smithsonian Marine Station, "acorns are produced in abundance in September. Acorns generally fall to the ground during December and are dispersed by animals."I'll check with some Texas experts and get back on this....
Friday, September 26, 2008–UPDATE– Reply from Pete Smith, Partnership Coordinator Texas Forest Service-Urban Forestry Program: "I think the acorns are fine, and this is just the time of year that they ripen and begin to fall. They might be smaller because of the drought (and likely more bitter to squirrels!), but the ones in your blog looked like they were even trying to sprout from their tips, meaning they are viable and healthy. I've heard that some places in Texas are experiencing a 'bumper crop' this year, which happens about every three or four years, depending on weather patterns."
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