An allergic reaction is a negative physical response to a normally harmless substance. The actual allergens on or within pollen grains are proteins. When sensitive people inhale pollen, symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes and hives may occur. These allergic reactions may exacerbate medical conditions like hayfever and asthma, resulting in medical treatment costs and the inability to work or recreate outside. Wind pollinated trees are more apt to cause allergic reactions than insect or bird pollinated trees because wind pollinated trees produce large amounts of lightweight, microscopic pollen to increase the chances of successful pollination of the female flower.
Wind pollinated trees generally flower in early spring before leaves are present.
Many possess flower structures called catkins, which release pollen quite readily. When wet, cool conditions occur during pollination time, the amount of pollen in the air is generally reduced. Consider the time of year for pollination and whether you will be outdoors or will have your windows open during that time. Keep in mind that the wind can carry tree pollen miles away from the offending tree. With the help of a health care professional, determine which trees are producing the allergens.