Know before you plant. Which trees are bad for your allergies?
Trees which are wind-borne pollinators are most likely to cause a seasonal allergic reaction. They produce pollen that is light and released in large quantities that can be easily inhaled. Some of these pollinators are so sly that you cannot even see them do it.
Trees do make your yard look fantastic but beware if you have allergies for the selection of a variety of tree that grows to product a lot of allergens in your yard is bad idea. The wrong tree will reduce enjoyment of the outdoors and can easily bring a lot of pollen into your home too. If you or a family member has a plant allergy, knowing which plants to avoid adding to your garden will allow you and your loved ones to enjoy your spring and summers more. Some trees will also deposit a lot of pollen into the grass of the yard for the mower to blow upon you when mowing. This will make allergies hard to bear.
So, let’s take a close look at the common trees NOT to select for your yard, for they are wind-borne pollinators. Further below, we will also list the trees that are much better to select for your yard to position your yard for less allergies and more enjoyment of the outdoors.
Birch Trees
Birch trees (genus Betula) are medium-sized deciduous trees known for their thin papery bark and striking fall colors. Their leaves are egg-shaped and can range from golden yellow to vibrant orange or fiery red. Common birch trees are often used as ornamental trees in residential landscapes due to their distinctive appearance and they grow quickly.
Cedar Trees
Although not native to the U.S., many varieties of cedar trees grow throughout the U.S. They are evergreen trees with needle-like leaves, thick trunks, and peeling bark. Cedar trees (genus Cedrus) are large evergreen conifers characterized by needle-like leaves arranged spirally on scented woody branches.
Oak Trees
Oak trees (genus Quercus) are hardwood trees or shrubs in the beech family. They have spirally arranged leaves, often with lobed edges, and produce acorns borne within a cup.There are about 60 varieties native to North America.
Here is a list of the many other trees that also produce a good amount of allergens and should be considered carefully, before adding to your yard.
Elm Tree – The elm grows well in cooler regions. It can easily grow higher than 40 feet tall and has a full oval crown. The elm is appreciated for its shade but if you have allergies, this is not a great tree to have in the fall.
Juniper – Junipers are a favorite by many landscapers because they are low-maintenance. Despite its uses, the plant’s pollen is known for causing hay fever and skin issues.
Pine – This evergreen tree makes a lot of thick yellow powdery pollen in spring. Pine pollen, if you are allergic, can being about hay fever symptoms.
Walnut – The flowers of the walnut tree bloom in late spring and the pollen can cause allergies. Fortunately, walnut pollen is dense and does not travel far from the tree.
We hope this list helps others who wish to keep their allergies down and to live best outdoors in their own yard. In conclusion, if your yard has less allergens, you will breathe cleaner air and have much less pollen in your grass when you mow the lawn. Remember, MowClean traps most of the fine dirt and pollen in the grass, improving the air for the person doing the mowing.
Enjoy the season!