But it's true. Our pollen counter on top of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital has been picking up high levels of pollen in the air since late January. One of the reasons for early pollination may be global warming. The relatively warm temperatures fool trees into thinking that it's spring. The pollen is released by the trees, then carried by the wind into our nasal passages, sinus cavities and upper airways.
Some trees launch more potent allergens than others.
The majestic oak tree, which graces our beautiful canopy roads, can be a big source of misery for allergy sufferers. The pollens are released by catkins, which droop from the branches. Junipers are another source of spring allergens. They have been used as an ornamental landscape shrub or small tree for many years. The flowers are found in tiny cones at the branch tips.