Lawn Mowing and Allergies

Mowing the lawn is already a chore. For millions of Americans, spring allergies can make it a nightmare. You see the blades of grass creeping up again, but you can’t bear the thought of mowing the lawn one more time. That’s because you have spring allergies—also known as hay fever—and even 30 minutes out in the yard can trigger itchy eyes, constant sneezing and nasal congestion that can ruin the rest of your day. Is there anything you can do?

Most people blame spring allergies on pollen from flowers and blooming trees, but despite its lack of blossoms, grass also releases a fair amount of pollen. In fact, experts estimate grass pollen accounts for nearly one-third of all allergy symptoms in the United States. People with grass pollen allergy may also have allergic reactions to celery, melons, oranges, peaches or tomatoes. Peak grass pollen season typically occurs in May and June, though grass releases pollen all summer long.

If your grass pollen allergy makes lawn care a weekly battle, try a few of these tips:

• Don’t forget to take your medication. Taking your allergy medication every day is your first line of defense.
• Wear an allergy mask. Pick up a reusable facemask from your local home supply store, and be sure to wash it after every use. Look for one approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
• Mow your lawn frequently. This may sound counterintuitive, but letting your grass grow long increases the amount of pollen it releases. Grass should be cut to two inches or shorter.
• Don’t mow in the morning. Pollen counts are generally lower in the evening.
• Use a mower with a built-in bag. Spraying your trimmings back onto your lawn stirs up more pollen.
• Shower immediately afterward. Thoroughly wash your body and hair as soon as possible after mowing the lawn to remove pollen and shorten the duration of your allergy symptoms.
• Consider other aggravators. It may not be the grass that’s triggering your allergies. Keep your yard as pollen-free as possible by planting only female trees and shrubs and using rock or gravel instead of bark for mulch.

If your allergies are severe, you may want to consider more aggressive solutions. Resodding your lawn with low-pollen or no-pollen grass, such as “Princess 77” hybrid Bermuda grass, may be an option. Allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, can also help. Grass varieties that commonly trigger allergies include Bermuda, Fescue, Johnson, Orchard, Sweet Vernal and Timothy.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 250,000 people were treated for lawn mower-related injuries in 2010. As you gear up for mowing season, take a minute to refresh your knowledge of basic lawn mower safety.

Before mowing:

• Fill up the gas tank. If you have to refuel mid-mow, let the mower cool down first.
• Clear your lawn of any large objects, such as toys, sticks or rocks.
• Make sure the grass isn’t wet or dewy.
• Change into long pants and sturdy shoes that fully cover your feet.

While mowing:

• When using a push mower, mow slopes from side to side. When using a riding mower, mow slopes up and down.
• Never use your hands to remove debris from your lawn mower blades—even when the motor is off.
• Don’t let your child or grandchild sit on a riding mower with you.

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