3 Allergy (Pollen) Seasons of North Carolina
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3 Allergy (Pollen) Seasons in North Carolina
In North Carolina, everyone is affected directly or indirectly by allergies. Here’s some useful information to prepare you for the three pollen seasons we have here in NC.
Itchy eyes, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, and sneezing are inescapable during the pollen seasons. Throughout the year, plants and trees release pollen as part of their reproductive process. Sadly most of these plants rely on wind to spread their pollen which creates a lot of allergens in the air we breathe. Some may think that flowers cause the most pollen, but it’s more likely from trees, grass, and weeds . Flowers and colorful plants are drawn in by insects, this typically means they rely on insect pollination. This being the case, when plants don’t rely on wind for pollination, they don’t produce as much pollen. Knowing this means the wind-pollinated plants are the enemy of allergy sufferers all over North Carolina!
Allergy Symptoms vs Cold Symptoms
The signs may be more obvious than you think. If you have itchy or dry eyes you probably have allergies instead of a cold. It’s a fact if your symptoms seem to get worse when you leave the house, then you probably are an allergy sufferer. Another giveaway is colds last about a week, but allergies will stick around until the allergen is gone. In North Carolina allergy season feels like it lasts all year long. Well, guess what? That’s because we actually have multiple allergy seasons that last the majority of the full year!
3 Pollen Producing Plant Types of North Carolina
At this point in the article, it should be obvious that there are 3 full seasons of allergies in the state we live in. There’s also some overlap in these 3 seasons. The different types of plants that produce the pollen are what break these out into 3 groups. Read along below to find out in detail the diverse vegetation causing this havoc.
Tree Pollen
Between March and June, trees are releasing their pollen into the air we breathe. In North Carolina, this allergy season tends to be at its peak in April. Some of the biggest tree pollen culprits in Charlotte include:
- River birch
- Yellow poplar
- Hickory
- American beech
- Oak
Bradford pear, Magnolia, Crepe Myrtle, Leyland Cypress, Sweetgum, Maple, and Loblolly Pine sometimes cause allergies in certain people, but they’re not known for having as big of an effect as the others do. You may find some other allergy-inducing trees, such as willow, cottonwood, pecan, elm, cedar, aspen, and ash trees, though these are not as commonly found in Charlotte NC.
Grass Pollen
Grass allergy season in NC lasts from mid-spring until mid-fall, and the peak seems to be between April and May. The most common types of grass in NC are Bermuda grass, tall fescue, centipede, ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and zoysia grasses. If you know that the grass on your property is fescue grass you may be lucky! That’s because fescue isn’t typically a major cause of allergy symptoms.
Weeds Causing Pollen
The pollen season in North Carolina caused by weeds, lasts from August until the first frost, with the peak being in September. Various weeds in the Carolinas cause allergies, but ragweed is by far one of the worst because it affects the most people.
Ragweed Pollen
The ragweed season in the States starts around mid-August. In the Charlotte area, the peak ragweed season is September, and because Charlotte has warmer weather and ragweed produces pollen so late in the year, the season can last as late as November.
Reducing Allergy Symptoms in North Carolina
North Carolina’s allergy season can seem hopeless. It feels never-ending, and the allergy symptoms seem inescapable! Fortunately, there are a few things you can do! To survive Charlotte NC allergy season:
Do More Outside After Rain
If you need to get things done or have projects that need to be completed that involve being outdoors then remember that pollen count can be lower after it rains. Rain naturally cleans the air and can temporarily make being outdoors less of a pain.
Cut Grass With A Mask or Hire Lawn Care!
Monitor Pollen Count In Your City
There are plenty of resources available online and with apps for allergy sufferers to find updated pollen counts. Just know that if the pollen count is notably high, it’s best to stay indoors all together. Pollen count is calculated by the number of pollen particles per cubic meter in the air.
Discuss Filter Options With Your HVAC Tech
From filters and strong air purifiers to air scrubbers, we’ve got tons of air cleaning options up our sleeves that can help you allergy season in NC. Also if your allergies aren’t seasonal and are related to pets, we may can help! Just schedule an visit with one of our technicians to talk about how we can get you breathing clean air again. Would you like to learn more options our techs can help you with? give us a call 704-684-5339
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