Hi Mark,

Thanks for the question. The oaks have been quite prolific this year with their flowering. Usually this flower production is regulated by several factors in the environment including temperature and moisture availability. The reason we saw so much flowering this year could be a result of an abundance of available water. Although, it could also be a stress response under drier than normal conditions. The moisture availability at your site in combination with the weather we've had this spring likely influenced their prolific bloom. Best of luck with cleaning out the gutters!