Where we used to live was surrounded by oak trees. Some years so many it was dangerous walking in the yard. Other years, skimpy. Even some apples trees don't produce well every year.

Looking at this about mast years

Mast Years

Last year was our "mast" year for the oaks, which are the significant majority of our lot. Thousands and thousands...and thousands...and thousands of acorns. I mean some areas a solid layer. Walking down the slope of the yard was like sliding on ball bearings. Yes, people did land on their rear. A repeat performance would surely tax the trees. There are still enough acorns on the ground to last for quite a while, even considering the reduction from ones that have sprouted (and that's thousands), or have been damaged, or have been eaten. I think this year is far lighter, thank goodness. Somebody last year thought this overproduction was roughly a 7 year cycle, but don't know if that's the case.

Did you have prodigious amounts of beechnuts last year?

Yes....in fact, I feel like your comments about the dangerous oak acorns! Interesting mast year info, thanks!!

All the nuts are on Garden Web, and have been for years.