Beeches are experiencing another 'mast year' (but that's not necessarily good news)

This year, beech trees are experiencing a mast year, producing an abundance of seeds. Climate change is causing these mast years to occur more frequently, which can be detrimental. The increased seed production exhausts the trees, especially during hot, dry summers. Beech trees' mast years are influenced by the previous summer's conditions, while oak trees are affected by the current spring. Since the early 2000s, the frequency of mast years for beech has risen from every 5-6 years to every 2-3 years, likely due to climate change. This shift can disrupt their survival strategy, as animal populations that consume the seeds adapt and increase, leading to more seeds being eaten. In the UK, more frequent mast years have also resulted in growth delays for beech trees.