Tips to Prevent Spring Allergies
  • Opt for low-allergen plants like insect-pollinated flowers to reduce airborne pollen in your garden.
  • Avoid high-pollen producers such as certain grasses and trees to minimize allergy triggers.
  • Implement garden maintenance like regular lawn mowing and weed control to keep allergens at bay.
Spring brings blooming flowers, warmer weather, and, for many, the unwelcome return of seasonal allergies. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger symptoms in those sensitive to these plant-based allergens. If you’re among those who face this annual battle, fret not. There are several strategies you can adopt to minimize your exposure to these irritants and alleviate your symptoms. Here’s how to combat spring allergies effectively.
Choose Low-Allergen Plants
Opt for plants that produce less pollen or are pollinated by insects rather than the wind. Wind-pollinated plants are typically the culprits behind allergy symptoms because they produce small, lightweight pollen grains that are easily inhaled. On the other hand, insect-pollinated plants produce heavier, stickier pollen grains that are less likely to become airborne. Some low-allergen plant options include:
  • Flowering Plants: Many flowering plants rely on bees for pollination and therefore produce less airborne pollen. Examples include snapdragons, petunias, and impatiens.
  • Female Trees: Opting for female cultivars of trees can be beneficial because they do not produce pollen. Instead, they trap and remove pollen from the air. Examples include female cultivars of maple, ash, and poplar.
Avoid High-Pollen Plants
Some plants are notorious for producing large amounts of allergenic pollen. Reducing or eliminating these from your garden can significantly decrease your allergy symptoms. Common high-pollen producers include:
  • Grasses: Most grasses are wind-pollinated and can be a major source of pollen. If you have a lawn, consider alternatives like low-pollen ground covers or synthetic turf.
  • Trees: Certain trees, such as oak, birch, and cedar, are known for their high pollen production. Be mindful of these species when planting new trees in your garden.
Garden Maintenance to Reduce Allergens
  • Regular Lawn Mowing: Keeping your lawn short will reduce the amount of pollen it can produce. Wear a mask if you’re allergic, or consider hiring someone to do this for you.
  • Weed Control: Many weeds are high pollen producers. Regular weeding can help keep these allergens at bay.
  • Damp Dusting Outdoor Areas: Regularly wipe down outdoor furniture and surfaces to remove pollen. Doing so after periods of high pollen counts can be especially effective.
Design an Allergy-Friendly Garden
  • Barriers: Use hedges or other barriers to block or filter wind-borne pollen from entering your garden.
  • Positioning: Place seating areas away from known allergen-producing plants and position low-allergen plants closer to living spaces.
  • Water Features: Including a water feature in your garden can help trap pollen and reduce the amount floating in the air.
Timing and Clothing
  • Garden in the Evening: Pollen counts are usually highest in the early morning and during warm, windy days. Gardening in the evening can help reduce your exposure.
  • Protective Gear: When gardening, wear gloves, a hat, and even a mask if necessary to keep pollen off your skin and out of your hair and respiratory system.
By making these adjustments, you can create a beautiful garden that’s more enjoyable and less of a challenge for those with spring allergies. While completely eliminating exposure to pollen may not be possible, these steps can significantly reduce your symptoms and make the spring season more enjoyable.