A mast year, also called a mast boom, is when a tree or group of trees produces an exceptionally large crop of their seeds, such as acorns. These years are natural cycles for many tree species, including oaks, which are common in New Jersey.
Some people consider a mast year to be a predictor of the coming winter. I'm sorry to report that it is not a predictor of winter. Lots of acorns or seeds do not mean a severe winter. Unfortunately, plants and animals are no better at predicting the future than humans.
The 2023 mast year was a significant event in New Jersey. The next mast event for many species, particularly oaks, is expected to be between 2026 and 2028. However, the timing can vary between different species, so other species might have their next mast year at slightly different times.
When trees produce a massive number of seeds, it creates a glut of food for wildlife. A surplus of food can lead to a booming population of animals like squirrels and chipmunks in the year following a mast event. That definitely happened in my North Jersey backyard.
Producing such a large seed crop is very energy-intensive for the tree, and it will typically have a very low yield of seeds the following year as it restores its energy.
The term "mast" in this context comes from Old English "mæst," which referred to the nuts of forest trees, especially those used as food for pigs. This Old English word is derived from Proto-Germanic "mastiz" and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European roots related to gathering or collecting food. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader meaning, including the seeds and nuts of various trees that serve as a food source for wildlife.
No comments:
Post a Comment