Production can vary a great deal from year to year depending upon the resources available to the tree during the growing season. Acorn production is a process relying on both generous flower production and successful pollination. It requires a great deal of energy for the tree to complete the process. Weather factors that interfere with flower, pollination or acorn maturation will affect the acorn output as well.

There is also a phenomena of acorn production called a "mast year" in which oak trees produce a bumper crop of acorns, up to ten times the typical amount. On average, mast years take place in every two to five years but without any known precipitating factors. The reason is a scientific mystery, but a theory exists that it is a reproductive strategy that overwhelms the natural consumers of acorns in the area and allows some acorns to germinate.

A mast year is not the only reason that one oak tree may have produced more acorns than the others. The trees may receive different amounts of sunlight. Trees with less light or that are more crowded by other trees produce less fruit. They may be growing in different soil despite being on the same property. If one tree has more compaction or more clay in its soil, it may be less able to take up the nutrients it needs to bear fruit.