In 2024, none of the four main tree species – beech, oak, spruce, and fir – exhibited a pronounced mast year. Observations show a generally heterogeneous pattern with regional differences and mostly weak seed production.
Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Beech showed predominantly a mast failure in 2024. Only isolated stands in the Central Plateau exhibited scattered or partial masting. A widespread or regionally pronounced mast event was not observed.
Oak (Quercus spp.)
For oaks, a very mixed pattern was observed. While many regions experienced mast failure, partial to full mast was recorded more frequently along the Reuss River and in the Lake Constance region, indicating locally limited but distinct mast events.
Spruce (Picea abies)
In the Central Plateau, spruce commonly showed scattered to partial mast. A clear regional trend was noted: seed production was generally higher in Eastern Switzerland and the Lake Constance region compared to the western Central Plateau and the Jura. In the western Central Alps, mast failure was predominant, whereas partial mast was often observed in the eastern Central Alps.
Fir (Abies alba)
A clear difference was noted between elevations for fir: in higher altitudes, scattered masting was predominant, while in lowland areas, mast failure was common. However, isolated seed-bearing stands were still observed in the lowlands.
Conclusion
The year 2024 did not constitute a general mast year. Regional variation and localized mast events, especially in oak and spruce, indicate heterogeneous masting patterns. Overall, however, weak seed production dominated across all four species.
