After the horrible winter we’ve had, we’re more than a little excited for the return of warm sunshine and blue skies. But spring is not without its own challenges. For allergy sufferers, it’s time to go into defensive mode against pollen.
Although we tend to think of pollen as a flower-related phenomenon, trees are just as culpable for our seasonal allergies. Even our beloved oak trees. If you’re wondering if your trees are the cause of springtime’s biggest menace for you, here are signs of an oak tree pollen allergy you should watch out for.
How Oak Pollen Triggers Allergies
If you suffer from pollen allergies, it may be hard to tell the difference between the pollen of various types of plants. All of it makes you suffer. But some plants’ pollen is more allergenic than others. Ragweed, for instance, is far more likely to make you suffer than roses.
Technically, oak tree pollen is not as allergenic as other types of pollen. However, the issue is that oaks have an incredibly long allergy season, stretching from February to May. That is a long time for pollen to linger in the air and for those with allergies to suffer.
Symptoms of Oak Tree Pollen Allergy
Oak tree allergy symptoms are not too different from other pollen-related symptoms. The best sign of an oak tree pollen allergy, specifically, is your surroundings. If your symptoms flare up more in your oak-shaded yard than in your neighbor’s non-oak-shaded yard, the oak tree is likely the cause.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Hay fever
If you also have asthma, there’s a chance your allergies may aggravate your symptoms or even trigger an attack.
Tips for Relieving Allergy Symptoms
Hygiene
The pale yellow dust of oak pollen doesn’t just linger in the air. It may gather on your clothes, hair, or skin, aggravating your issues even when you go inside. On days with a high pollen count, be intentional about washing your hair and face and changing clothes when you come inside.
Avoid Peak Pollen Times
Sometimes, it seems like we would be better off staying inside with the windows closed on high-pollen-count days. But you don’t have to avoid the outdoors completely to defend against allergies. Pollen production is at its highest from morning until noon, so save your outdoor hike or jog for the late afternoon when the pollen count is lower.
Tree Pruning
A tree will produce less pollen if there are fewer branches on it. If you have a large oak in your yard, early spring may be the perfect time to schedule tree pruning to reduce pollen in your yard. If your pollen allergies are severe—if you have asthma, for instance—you may even consider removing a tree that is too close to your house. Make sure you contact SID Mourning Tree Services. Our Austin, TX, lot-clearing services will help you accomplish this task quickly and safely.