Grass pollen tips: How to pollen-proof your garden from May to July

While the sun coming out is a beautiful time for people across the UK, it can be harder for some of us to spend time in our gardens, and this is because of one dreaded thing – pollen.

There are three different types of pollen: tree, weeds, and grass. And different people will have varying sensitivities to each. However, grass pollen is the most common cause of hayfever symptoms for sufferers, as nine out of ten hayfever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.

Overall, pollen season takes place from March to September, but May to July can be the worst season for many, as this is when grass pollen is at its peak. 

As grass pollen season kicks off, our team of gardening experts at Grass247 have shared key advice on how to reduce hayfever symptoms when you’re in your garden and after spending time out on your lawn.  

How you can make your garden hayfever free during grass pollen season

So, what can you do to your garden to make it more hayfever friendly?

Mow any grass regularly

It’s key during hayfever season that you keep your lawn short, especially if you have a grass pollen allergy. This is because mowing your lawn regularly will help stop any grass from flowering and producing more pollen. 

During peak growth season, mowing your grass once a week should keep pollen production in your garden low. As a general rule, you shouldn’t remove more than a third of the grass height each time you mow your lawn. 

When mowing, be sure that any of your home’s windows are closed to prevent pollen from making its way inside your house, especially on windy days.

After mowing your lawn you should get rid of any grass clippings, as these can be picked up by the wind – releasing more pollen into the air.

You should then collect your grass clippings and dispose of them in your garden waste bin or your compost. 

If you have serious reactions to grass pollen, you can also consider installing artificial grass. Although this won’t stop the wind blowing pollen into your garden completely, removing real grass will help stop your own lawn from producing any pollen, minimising the amount of pollen you’re exposed to.

Water your lawn

Lightly watering your grass can help reduce your garden’s pollen levels as this will stop pollen particles from releasing into the air. 

Try watering your lawn early in the morning when the weather is cooler, as this will keep the water from evaporating on your grass. 

You can also collect your rainwater and use this to water your lawn – which will come in handy in case of any hosepipe bans this summer! 

Cover or remove compost

If you have a compost, it’s important to either use low-allergen mulch such as oyster shell instead of wood chips, as these can encourage mould growth – which will aggravate any hayfever symptoms.

You should also cover any compost heaps to prevent any mould spores from releasing into the air of your garden. You can simply use cardboard or a tarp to do this.

Choose certain plants

Plants can either be pollinated by insects, or the wind. 

Flowers that are pollinated by insects, such as bees and wasps, are a better choice for hayfever sufferers, as these produce less pollen and won’t release high amounts of pollen into your garden’s air – instead relying on insects to carry the pollen from flower to flower. 

If you’re wanting to plant some hayfever-friendly flowers, look for varieties such as sunflowers, lavender or honeysuckle, which are pollinated by insects. 

In comparison, trees such as birch and oak should be avoided if you want to reduce your exposure to grass pollen. 

Use barriers

Planting hedges and using physical barriers such as trellises can not only be great ways to add privacy to your garden, but also can block wind and pollen from blowing into your garden. 

Hedges can be planted around the perimeter of your garden, or can even be put in pots which you can move around at your convenience. 

What to do when in your garden to reduce hayfever symptoms

There are also some steps you can take to shield yourself from grass pollen when outside. 

Protect yourself when outside

When spending time outside, you should protect yourself by wearing a hat or sunglasses, as these will shield your eyes from pollen exposure. 

If you’re gardening outside, consider also wearing gloves and long sleeves which will help if you frequently find yourself with a grass allergy rash. 

A mask can even be beneficial when gardening, as this will stop you from breathing in any pollen in the air. 

Go out during low-pollen hours

If you want to head out to your garden, you should check your local pollen count to avoid high pollen days. It’s key to keep an eye on this as pollen counts can change based on the weather, wind and time of day.

Usually, it’s better to garden or spend time outside later in the day, as this is when the pollen count is lower. So, opt for afternoons in the garden rather than mornings or midday to avoid peak pollen hours. 

Shower and change clothes when heading inside

After spending time outside, you should make sure to change your clothes and shower. This is because pollen particles can stick to you and transfer to the inside of your home, meaning it’s key to clean them off before resting on any indoor furniture such as sofas or beds. 

Pollen can also stick to your outdoor furniture, such as tables, chairs and benches, so cleaning any garden furniture can also be beneficial for anyone with hayfever symptoms.