Spring is in full swing and Maryland residents are getting to experience warmer weather, plenty of sunshine, as well as increased rainfall. warmer temperatures, more hours of sunlight, and frequent rainfall. Though most of these elements are desirable conditions for people, all three are essential to the regrowth of plant life. Unfortunately, this means that you might be starting to experience spring allergy symptoms.
Tree pollen in particular is a primary trigger for allergy sufferers this time of year. Let’s take a look at why this occurs and how to reduce these irritants during the spring:
Why Pollen Triggers Your Allergy Symptoms
Male flowering trees produce pollen during the spring which enables them to fertilize female trees of the same species. Since warmer weather conditions are optimal for plant growth, fertilization often occurs once the winter has passed and higher temperatures reach Maryland. When you breathe air that contains pollen particles, your immune system recognizes those particles as foreign substances, triggering the allergic response.
This response is your immune system’s attempt to remove the foreign substance, or pollen, from your body. When Maryland experiences early spring or mild winter, pollen allergies can start sooner in the year, since trees begin pollinating earlier than is normal and produce pollen for a longer span of time.
Tree Species Known to Trigger Allergies
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology has noted that there are a group of tree species that are most known to trigger spring allergies in Americans. These pollen-releasing species include:
- Hickory
- Elm
- Oak
- Maple
- Poplar
- Walnut
- Birch
- Red Cedar
- Walnut
- Ash
- Sycamore
Having any of the above tree species planted in your yard can cause your allergy symptoms to flare, which is why talking with a licensed tree care expert can benefit you in finding ways to lessen the impact.
Avoiding Tree Pollen in Maryland
As a powdery, light substance, pollen is most present in outdoor air, especially during breezy, dry weather conditions in spring. These conditions keep the pollen mobile in the air, while rainy, windless, or cloudy days cause the pollen to become damp and heavy, allowing it to fall to the ground. Since we experience both types of weather conditions in the spring in Maryland, and because allergy symptoms may be present for more than a day, it can be difficult to determine whether or not it is the pollen that is causing your allergy symptoms on a given day.
Because pollen is so light, it travels easily in warm and breezy springtime air. This means that your tree pollen allergy symptoms can be triggered by a pollenating tree that is miles away from your home. However, having any of the pollen allergy-causing trees listed above on your property can certainly make symptoms worse. Luckily, there’s a way you can reduce the amount of tree pollen you’re exposed to in your own yard: professional tree trimming.
Get Help from Maryland Tree Trimming Experts
We know how tough spring allergies can be to deal with. If pollen from the trees outside your home is triggering your allergies this season, having the trees trimmed and professionally cared for can help reduce the amount of pollen you’re exposed to on your property. At Hagan & Sons, we specialize in tree removal and maintenance, and can provide you with the Maryland tree trimming services you need. Contact us to learn more today.
