Early Spring Gardening
The Season of Allergies
Spring: the weather starts to warm up, the sun is out more often, and we are able to see grass again. You may also experience a runny nose, watery eyes, and even sneezing. Sure, this new season is nice, but it is also a popular time for your allergies to begin.
What Trees Cause Allergies
As spring approaches, dormant trees begin to bounce back to life and release pollen into the air. Birch trees are found to release the most pollen which causes the allergy symptoms. A single birch tree can produce up to 5 million pollen grains that can travel up to 100 yards from the tree itself.
An oak tree releases pollen just like the birch tree, but it stays in the air for a long period of time. Although they are considered to be milder than a birch tree, the duration of their pollen makes it severe for allergic reactions.
One other tree that can be prone to causing allergies is the ash tree as they also produce pollen. Ash trees are also considered to be cross-reactant. This means that an allergic substance found in the pollen may also be in a fruit or food making you allergic to that as well.
Here are a few more samples on what plants and trees cause allergies.
Hypoallergenic Trees and Plants
Although you may begin to think that all trees are bad for your allergies, there are trees and plants that are much milder and easier on the pollen.
- Aspen
- Mulberry
- Juniper
- Cedar
- Crab apple
- Magnolia
- Spruce
- Ornamental Pear Tree
- Dogwood
Want more examples on hypoallergenic plants you could get around the house? Click here for inspiration.
Treating Your Allergies
Once you begin to feel some allergy symptoms, take action. Your allergy medicine should be taken early on before the allergies really creep up on you. It is like giving your body a fair warning before anything really happens and the medicine is more likely to work.
Limit the time you spend outdoors especially around the afternoon when pollen levels are at the highest point. Clearing your nose everyday is also a helpful way to keep your congestion under control. Nasal spray can rinse away pollen and mold that has been traveling through your nose.
Spring cleaning is another great way to help with your allergies. Pollen and dirt live in your home by leaving the windows and doors open and keeping your shoes on indoor. Reduce indoor pollen by keeping your pets off the bed, vacuuming often, and keeping your windows closed.
It is okay to want to enjoy the weather and allergies should not stop you from doing so. Remember, spring is right around the corner, but so is the pollen.
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