How to Reduce Grass Allergies this Summer

Right now, spring is in the air and that means that allergy season is right around the corner. For many, grass pollen is an allergy trigger that causes irritating and uncomfortable symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny or stuffy nose.

Grass pollination is the culprit of many allergy symptoms, and the allergy season tends to peak around the late spring and early summer months when grass begins to release pollen into the air. If grass pollen causes you uncomfortable allergies, you'll be happy to know that you can reduce the amount of pollen in your own backyard by keeping your lawn well maintained. Research shows that some varieties of grass produce more pollen when under stress. To avoid having a stressed lawn that produces more pollen and creates allergy conditions, provide regular maintenance such as mowing and watering.

Mowing

Keeping your lawn maintained throughout the spring and summer will help reduce grass allergies and their associated symptoms. One way to keep your lawn well maintained this spring and summer is to mow your lawn often. Many grasses tend to release pollen when they grow tall. If the grass is kept short it will be less likely to produce and release pollen. To keep grass short, we recommend mowing on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Be careful not to cut the grass blades too short and do not cut more than a third of the blade. Mowing below this point will weaken the grass and leave it susceptible to stress.

Mowing with Allergies

To those who suffer from grass pollen allergies, mowing the lawn regularly may sound like a nightmare. For someone with grass pollen allergies, the ideal solution is to delegate the task of mowing the lawn to someone else. But if this task does happen to fall in your hands, here are some ways to minimize exposure to allergens:

• Close all the doors and windows to your home when mowing
• Wear a mask while mowing to minimize pollen inhalation
• Mow on a calm, windless day
• Use a mower with a clippings catcher to contain grass clippings
• Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses
• Remove shoes and outer clothes before re-entering your home

Watering

Another important way to maintain your lawn this spring and summer is to water frequently and deeply. In the spring, new grass seed needs consistent watering for optimal growth and germination. With existing grass, consistent watering helps to keep your lawn lush and healthy, reducing stress and therefore, pollen production.

The ideal times to water your lawn during the spring and summer months are in the early mornings just before the sun rises, and in the evening when the sun is setting. This helps to decrease evaporation.

How to Keep Up With Regular Watering

When regular lawn maintenance is needed to keep your lawn healthy and well maintained, it can sometimes be hard to stay on track week after week. Consistent watering is essential for lawn growth, and if you find yourself forgetting to water day after day it can negatively impact the health of your lawn.

An in ground sprinkler system can bring convenience to your daily watering routine. Simply use the programmable timer settings and weather sensor technology to determine how often you'd like to water your lawn, and the exact time of day you'd like it to be watered.

Install an In Ground Sprinkler System

If you suffer from uncomfortable grass pollen allergies year after year, it might be time to control the pollen production in your own backyard. Lawn maintenance is the key to pollen reduction, and if you are short on extra time, an in ground sprinkler system can definitely help. For more information on installing an in ground sprinkler system for your home or business, or for more information on how lawn care maintenance can help reduce your allergies this summer, contact one of our irrigation specialists today!