Managing Excessive Acorn Production in Oak Trees

A homeowner faces heavy acorn drop from a large oak. An arborist offered $400 for a "sterilizing injection"—but no such injection system exists.

Real Solutions

• Ethephon spray (e.g., Florel) during flowering prevents acorn formation by releasing ethylene. Timing is critical—must hit bloom period precisely.
• Professional application recommended due to equipment needs for tall trees.
• Natural variation: Acorn crops fluctuate yearly based on weather (especially frost during flowering).

Hire only ISA-certified arborists for this specialized work.