Several things affect tree seed production. If the tree is not healthy, seed production may be light. When tree flowers are open, weather can destroy young seeds before they mature. Insects and disease can also damage and prevent tree seeds from forming properly. Many events must occur in the right order for healthy seeds to be produced.
Trees produce seeds of many shapes, sizes, and colors.
Usually the shape, size, and color of a tree's seed are for good reason. Maple and pine seeds, for example, have papery wings to catch the wind and scatter the seeds long distances. Other tree species rely on animals to help them get around. Squirrels and mice gather acorns, walnuts, and hickory nuts and hide them in the ground or old logs and tree stumps. If the animals forget where they hide them, the tree seeds often have an ideal place to grow.