Berries on trees for the first time

[monty0703]

Near my house are a few trees that have berries on them. I've lived in my house for 20+ years and this is the first time they have produced berries. Neighbours have also noticed this. Can anyone enlighten me as to how this has happened? I think the trees are Whitebeams.

[New Forester]

This seems to be a very good berry and fruit year in the UK (mushrooms too).  I've seen some truly spectacular whitebeams, as well as good crops on holly, sloe, hawthorn, wild apple, beech, oak and dogwood, among others.

 

I think it's most unlikely that whitebeams (if they are indeed that) have not been producing fruit all along -- although they grow into fair-sized trees they usually fruit when still quite small.

 

I think it's more likely that your trees have usually had many fewer berries, and these have been hidden in the leaves and so you haven't noticed them.  The leaves do seem to be dropping early on some trees, and this may make the berries even more conspicuous.

 

Another possible factor is that in poorer years, the berries tend to get eaten much quicker by birds -- but this year the poor darlings are already stuffed full. 

 

Finally, it's amazing how one can miss noticing quite obvious things for years.  Last summer I noticed an unusual tree for the first time -- but I've been driving past the spot regularly for ten years or so, and the tree is perhaps 15 m tall so I rather doubt it has suddenly appeared (it's a tree of heaven).

[rekstout]

A little country folklore - early and abundant berries is a sign of a long, harsh winter

Certainly the Met office agrees at present - we shall see.

[Drewhound]

It has been a very good year for berries and like New Forester I'm amazed at how I've missed "obvious" things for years. I thought it was a private company that forecast a hard winter and the met office said it was impossible to predict that far ahead.

 

[monty0703]

I did notice that the Rowan trees nearby seemed to have loads of berries this year so I guess your answer solves the mystery New Forester.  The Whitebeams (I'm pretty sure that's what they are) are more or less naked now apart from their berries.  Thanks for the answers folks, they've been BERRY informative (groan..sorry - couldn't resist it!)