Lawn Mowing and Allergies

Mowing the lawn is already a chore, but it can be a nightmare for people with allergies. They see blades of grass creeping up again, but can’t bear the thought of mowing the lawn one more time. Even 30 minutes out in the yard can trigger itchy eyes, constant sneezing and nasal congestion that can ruin the rest of the day. But is there anything you can do?

According to the CDC, 19.2 million people were diagnosed with hay fever in the past year. Also called allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an allergic response that causes cold-like symptoms, such as itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure.

Spring allergies are often blamed on flowers and blooming trees, but there are other triggers as well. Indoor allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander are sometimes to blame. Outdoors, fungi, mold and pollen can make your symptoms flare up. However, what you might not know is grass also releases pollen.

According to The New York Times, almost 20 percent of Americans are allergic or sensitive to dust mites, grass or ragweed. Peak grass pollen season typically occurs in May and June, but the problem can stick around until late August. People with grass pollen allergy may also have allergic reactions to celery, melons, oranges, peaches or tomatoes, too.

If your grass pollen allergy makes lawn care a weekly battle, try a few of these tips:

• Don’t forget to take your medication. Taking your allergy medication every day is your first line of defense.
• Wear an allergy mask and be sure to wash it after every use. Look for one approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
• Mow your lawn frequently. This may sound counterintuitive, but letting your grass grow long increases the amount of pollen it releases. Cut your grass down to two inches or shorter.
• Don’t mow in the morning. Pollen counts are generally lower in the evening.
• Use a mower with a built-in bag. Spraying your trimmings back onto your lawn stirs up more pollen.
• Shower immediately after mowing to remove pollen and shorten the duration of your allergy symptoms.
• Keep your yard as pollen-free as possible by planting only female trees and shrubs. According to Scientific American, female trees produce seeds, fruits, or pods instead of pollen—and trap and remove pollen from the air. In addition, use rock or gravel instead of bark for mulch.
• Be mindful of where you plant. Low-allergen plants should be closer to windows and doorways. If high-allergen plants are close to entryways, pollen can stick to you, and you can track it inside.
• If your allergies are severe, you may want to consider more aggressive solutions. Resodding your lawn with low-pollen or no-pollen grass, such as “Princess 77” hybrid Bermuda grass, may be an option. Allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, can also help. Bermuda, Johnson, Kentucky Bluegrass, Orchard, Sweet Vernal and Timothy, and grasses commonly trigger allergies.

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