Not everyone can enjoy a beautiful landscape because of allergies, but there are ways to have an allergy-free landscape. Using certain plants and techniques allows you to have a beautiful, sniffle-free landscape. Keep reading for more allergy-free landscaping ideas.
Choose allergy-free plants and trees.
If you suffer from allergies in Houston, Texas, you know how important it is to avoid plants that trigger your reaction. The best way to choose plant life that doesn’t trigger your allergies. Some plants attract pollinators more often, which leads to less pollen floating in the air and into your nostrils. If you are looking for a plant that is not known to cause allergies, you may want to consider adding a cactus to your garden. Cacti come in various shapes and sizes, making them a perfect addition to any landscaping project. You may also want to consider planting daffodils, as they don’t typically aggravate allergies. Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in Spring, and they’re easy to grow and require little maintenance. Other allergy-friendly plants include hydrangeas, azaleas, and begonias.
Trees are also known to mess with allergies. If you’re landscaping in Dallas, TX, you have plenty of options for choosing the right allergy-free trees for your backyard. You’ll want to avoid trees that produce a high volume of pollen or bloom for a short period. Ideal trees include crabapple trees, firs, and apricot trees. You will want to avoid oak, birch, and sycamore trees. You’ll also want to avoid trees and shrubs with pollen that spreads through the air, like juniper trees. Be sure to clear the ragweed out of your lawn as you go through the landscaping process.
Use groundcovers instead of grasses.
One way to make a landscape more allergy-free is using groundcovers instead of grass. Groundcovers are plants that spread over the ground, forming a dense layer of vegetation. They can cover large areas or create a border between different parts of the landscape. There are many kinds of groundcovers, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some groundcovers are drought-tolerant and can survive on very little water. Others are shade-tolerant and can grow in shady areas where grass would not be able to thrive. Some groundcovers, such as English ivy, can even help improve air quality by removing pollutants from the air. One disadvantage of using groundcovers is that they can take a while to become established and may require regular maintenance to keep them looking tidy.
Consider the proximity of your plant life.
If your allergies are really bad, you may want to consider planting flowers, trees, and shrubs away from your doors and windows. As plants begin to bloom, the closer you are, the worse your allergies will be. By planting away from your home, you allow yourself to use the space further in your yard and create a landscape you’ll be able to enjoy from afar. If you want to add curb appeal and plant flowers and trees that won’t aggravate your allergies close to your home, then opt for pollen-heavy plants further away. Incorporating more bee-pollinated plants will also reduce the amount of pollen in the air.
Keep your hedges trimmed.
Non-trimmed hedges may bother allergy sufferers, as they must be pruned often to prevent pollen from spreading. Talk to your landscaper to see if you can schedule a regular hedge trim to keep pollen at bay. You could also trim them yourself with high-quality sheers. Not only does trimming help allergy sufferers, but it also keeps your landscaping looking fresh and clean and clears your walkways from stray branches and leaves.
Allergy-free landscaping is important for those who suffer from allergies. By choosing plants and trees that are low in allergens, you can create a beautiful and healthy landscape while avoiding the triggers that cause your allergies to flare up.
