Expert: Jim Hyland - 10/31/2009

Question
We bought 3 Live Oak trees from "W-M" two years ago and planted them in our yard. They are now 7-8 feet tall. Two of them are producing acorns! I have always heard that they don't produce acorns until they are 15-20 years old. Can you explain this? Thank you.

Answer
The average oak produces a significant number of acorns at about 15-29 years under normal conditions. Genetics play a major role in when oaks produce acorns. As well as weather and soil conditions. In your case I would say that genetics was the key. Two are more than likely from the same or similar genetic pool and the third from another. That would be my guess since the soil and the weather conditions should be about the same.