Severe allergies can be debilitating; with flu-like symptoms caused by them, this can keep you from getting your work done or enjoying yourself. While allergens can be hard to avoid out in the world, there are some things that can be done around your home to make you more comfortable and free from allergy-related ailments.
There are many things to take into consideration to minimize allergy symptoms around your yard; the clothes you wear when working outdoors, the plants you own and their placement, and how often you mow and rake the lawn can all have an effect on allergies. Let’s examine these a bit closer so you can get relief from the great outdoors.
Regular Maintenance Can Keep You Allergy-Free
Frequent mowing can keep grasses and weeds in your yard from successfully growing pollen-releasing flower parts. It’s also important to rake often; dirt and pollen can adhere to leaves and debris, releasing their payload any time the wind blows. With most peoples’ busy lives, it may leave little time to do the work necessary to keep our yards maintained as well as they should be.
Landscaping firms like KG Landscape have been steadily growing due to the increased need for their services. A professional can work with you to reduce sources of allergens and keep your yard looking great while leaving you time to spend with friends and family.
Your Grass Could Be Making You Miserable
While we usually associate pollen with flowers, the grass is one of the worst offenders when it comes to pollen production. Unlike most obvious or ornamental flowers, the grass is pollinated through the air. Even common lawn grasses like Fescue or Bermuda produce potent amounts of pollen. To keep the grass pollen to a minimum, it is advised to eliminate any ornamental grasses and keep your lawn trimmed close to the ground (around 2 inches), and to mow often.
Trees That Give You Grief
Much like grass, the trees we commonly keep can be rough on our allergies. Over the years, it has become difficult to find non-pollen-producing female trees at garden centers and nurseries. Homeowners tend to want trees that are easier to maintain, and female trees can produce fruits and flowers that need to be raked. If you’re a sufferer of allergies, consider obtaining female tree varieties for your lawn. The minor discomfort of having to clean up your yard may be worth the prolonged relief from allergy symptoms. Some trees to avoid include maple, elm, and oak.
Placement Matters
You may be following all of the advice given so far and still suffering from allergies. Even the most allergy-friendly trees, grasses, and plants produce some amounts of pollen: their proximity to your living space needs to be taken into account. Consider moving plants further away from your home to help alleviate your symptoms. Hedges can collect pollen and dirt; proper maintenance is needed to keep this at a minimum. Think about placing plants in areas where they can still be appreciated, but not be an assault on your immune system.
A few simple considerations can help you feel better during this and future allergy seasons – at least in your own yard. Plant and tree selection and placement, along with regular upkeep, can help alleviate your discomfort and keep allergens as minimal as possible in your immediate surroundings.
