Trees that rely on the wind for pollination may be making you sneeze. (2024)

The worst trees for allergies are those that release pollen into the air. The trees people are most commonly allergic to are birch, oak, and cedar trees.

Many people are also allergic to tree pollen (also called hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis). From March to May, certain trees produce powdery pollen. When it blows around, that pollen can cause allergy symptoms (such as congestion, itchy and watery eyes, and sinus pressure) to rev up.

Here is a list of trees that are most likely to contribute to your seasonal allergy symptoms.

The Worst Trees for Allergies

While you might think that flowering trees are the worst allergy culprits, most of the trees that are likely to cause allergies do not have noticeable flowers. That's why they rely on the wind for pollination and therefore need to release a lot of pollen into the air.

Birch Trees

Birch trees are deciduous trees with tall trunks and papery bark. The color of the bark ranges from white to salmon to purple. Birch trees can be found in nearly every state in the U.S. and grow mostly in cooler regions.

Birch trees release their pollenbetween January to April, depending on their location.

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 pollinate in the winter from approximately mid-December through February.

Oak Trees

There are roughly 450 known species of oak, with about 60 varieties native to North America. Oak trees vary in size and shape: from shrub-like to large, stately shade trees. In the fall, the green leaves change to various shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown before dropping in the winter.Oak trees produce acorns when pollinated.

The pollination period for oak trees occurs during the spring, starting as early as February and extending into May in some regions.

Other Trees That Cause Allergic Reactions

Along with birch, cedar, and oak trees, the following trees can also cause seasonal allergies:

• Alder
• Ash
• Aspen
• Beech
• Boxelder
• Cottonwood
• Elm
• Hickory
• Mountain elder
• Mulberry
• Olive
• Pecan
• Poplar
• Willow

Why Trees Cause Allergic Reactions

Tree pollen is a powdery substance that trees use to fertilize themselves and other trees. Plants have both female and male reproductive systems. Pollen contains the male reproductive cells (or gametes). For the tree to be able to reproduce by making fruit or seeds, the pollen needs to come into contact with female tree systems.

During early to late spring, many trees release a large amount of pollen. The wind blows the pollen through the air and eventually to other trees of the same species. If the pollen lands in your eyes, nose, or respiratory system, it can also cause allergy symptoms.

Diagnosing a Tree Pollen Allergy

Trees often release pollen before other plants do. If you experience allergy symptoms early in the spring, you might have a tree pollen allergy. The symptoms of tree pollen allergies include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Post nasal drip and sore throat
• Red, watery, and puffy eyes
• Itchy nose, ears, eyes, and mouth

You might notice that these symptoms are worse on days with a higher pollen count.Pollen counts are highest in the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. The lowest pollen counts are usually in the late afternoon to early evening.

To get a definitive diagnosis of tree pollen allergies, you’ll need to see a healthcare provider. They can make a diagnosis through allergy testing.

Potential tests that providers use to diagnose allergies include:

• Skin prick test: For this test, a healthcare provider places a small amount of tree pollen on your skin, and then pricks or scratches the skin through the pollen. If redness, itching, or swelling develops at the site within 20 minutes, you’re likely allergic to tree pollen. The severity of your reaction indicates the severity of your allergy.
• Specific IgE blood test, Radioallergosorbetnt (RAST) or ImmunoCap: For this test, you'll need to give a blood sample. In the lab, a small amount of tree pollen is added to your blood, then a lab technician measures the number of allergy antibodies (IgE) your blood produces to fight the allergen.

Managing Tree Pollen Allergies

If you know you are allergic to tree pollen, start taking allergy medication in the weeks leading up to the time your allergies usually start. Getting ahead of your reaction will help you manage your hay fever symptoms.

During the spring, you can also take steps to limit your exposure to pollen. For example:

• Keep your home's windows closed and use an air purifier.
• Limit your time outside and stay away from pets that are frequently outside.
• Shower daily before bed to remove any pollen from your hair and skin.
• Wash your bedding weekly in hot water and dry clothes inside rather than on an outdoor clothesline.
• Check the pollen count. Avoid spending long periods outdoors when the pollen count is high.

Tree pollen allergies can last throughout the pollen season, which peaks in the spring. However, people with severe tree pollen allergies can also experience symptoms from eating foods that have been exposed to pollen, like apples and other fruits.

Although there are many over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications available, it's still a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about your allergy symptoms, especially if your allergies are persistent. They can let you know which treatment will be the most helpful.

Popular Trees With Low Pollen

Some trees you can plant and enjoy without worrying about tree pollen allergies include:

• Mulberry
• Aspen
• Juniper
• White ash
• Crabapple
• Fir
• Dogwood
• Cherry
• Plum
• Magnolia
• Ornamental pear
• Spruce
• Apple
• Persimmon

Summary

Tree allergies are a common cause of hay fever symptoms, especially in the early spring. Birch, cedar, and oak trees are the most likely to cause hay fever, but other trees that rely on the wind to spread their pollen around can also contribute.