Why are so many more acorns falling this year?

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - It's a successful season for squirrels as acorns drop from large oak trees by the thousands. 

Dr. Jonathan Lehrer, a horticulture professor, says it's not a figment of your imagination! Every few years, oaks produce up to 50 percent more acorns. Scientists call the overproduction "mast years" or boom crops but have few answers about what causes it.

The acorns are wreaking havoc across Long Island as people slip, sit or get hit with acorns.

It's believed the cycle of acorn production helps control populations for animals like squirrels and mice, which some experts say could give trees the best chance at reproducing. 

This overabundance happens every two to five years so the good news is, you have plenty of time to buy a helmet.