If you suffer from allergies, you know how miserable it can be to have allergy triggers all around you.
To keep your allergy symptoms at bay it’s important to identify what is causing your allergies to flare up. Some common household pests can cause allergies but many people are surprised to learn that allergies to trees are pretty common.
According to the CDC, more than 60 million Americans suffer from allergy symptoms caused by greenery like trees, shrubs, grass, etc. Since this is a common problem, it’s imperative you know what trees are in your yard and surrounding area.
This is especially important if you are in the market to plant new trees in your yard. In this article, we will discuss what causes tree allergies, the top trees to avoid if you suffer from allergies, and the trees you should consider planting instead.
What are Tree Allergies & Why Do They Occur?
The main culprit that causes allergies is tree pollen. Tree pollen is a powdery substance that trees use in the fertilization process.
In the springtime, it’s hard to miss all of the tree pollen that scatters everywhere. Pollen is dry and lightweight enabling it to be carried long distances by wind.
Some people are sensitive to tree pollen which causes a reaction resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffed nose, itching eyes, etc.
Your body essentially identifies pollen as a foreign invader and attacks it which causes those pesky allergy symptoms. This is commonly referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
When Is Tree Pollen Season?
In the United States peak tree allergies occur from March to May. This is when the majority of trees produce their pollen. However, in the South some trees produce pollen as early as January, making allergies peak earlier in these regions.
The Worst Trees for Allergies
These top allergen trees produce more pollen than their counterparts. If possible try to avoid these trees if you suffer from allergies.
- Ash
- Birch
- Cedar
- Cottonwood
- Elm
- Maple
- Willow
- Oak
- Olive
- Pecan
- Pine
- Sycamore
- Walnut
The Best Trees for Allergies
Since you cannot control the types of trees your neighbors have or the trees you encounter in public spaces, it’s beneficial to surround your house with trees that will not exacerbate your allergies.
You have several options to minimize your allergy symptoms. You can choose trees that produce no pollen at all or trees that have heavy denser pollen that’s less likely to be spread great distances.
A tree may be composed of both female and male flowers (monoecious). A tree can have only female flowers or only male flowers (dioecious).
This is important to know since pollen is produced solely by the male flowers of a tree.
A tree that consists of only female flowers will produce berries or seeds but no pollen. For this reason, if you suffer from allergies it’s best to plant female-flowered only trees, eliminating the possibility of pollen.
Nonpollen-Producing Female Trees:
- Aspen
- Boxelder
- Cedar
- Juniper
- Mulberry
- White Ash
Coarse Pollen Producing Trees:
- Crabapple
- Dogwood
- Fir
- Magnolia
- Eastern Redbud
- Spruce
- Tulip Tree
- Ornamental Pear
Tips for Managing Allergy Symptoms
When you’re not able to plant allergy-friendly trees or avoid them try these helpful tips to reduce an allergy flare-up.
- Check the pollen counts before being outside for an extended period. Counts are usually highest in the morning and then again at night. Pollen counts are usually the lowest in the late afternoon to early evening. Click here to check the pollen count in your area.
- Leave your windows and doors closed.
- Shower daily to remove pollen from your body and hair.
Call Gecko Green
The anticipation of beautiful springtime nearing is an exciting time. Lush grass, blooming, flowers, and budding trees are the mark of spring. At Gecko Green we desire that everyone can enjoy their lawns, even those who suffer from allergies. Our licensed professionals are trained in superb tree and shrub services. Call us today so we can help you with your tree and shrub needs.
