For many allergy sufferers, spending time in their own backyard can become a struggle rather than a source of enjoyment. High pollen counts, mold and even the wrong choice of plants can trigger sneezing, sinus congestion, and other frustrating allergy symptoms.
With the right landscaping choices, you can transform your outdoor space into a low-allergen retreat. By selecting the right plants, minimizing allergy culprits like grass and mold, and using organic techniques to reduce airborne irritants, you can enjoy a beautiful, allergy-free garden without the constant discomfort.
Designing a landscape with allergy-friendly plants in mind is one the best ways to minimize pollen and reduce allergic reactions. In Massachusetts, some of the most common culprits of pollen allergies include:
Trees
Grasses
Luckily, there are plenty of low-allergen plants, trees and grasses that can be used as alternatives to these species, minimizing seasonal allergies while creating an eye-catching landscape.
For flowering plants, great replacements with less pollen include hydrangeas, azaleas, roses, petunias and tulips.
To reduce allergy symptoms produced by grasses, swap high-pollen producers with other types, such as the St. Augustine and buffalo grass varieties.
Finally, plant trees like dogwood, myrtle and Eastern redbud as replacements for their high-pollen counterparts.
Routine lawn mowing can stir up pollen present in grass, increasing distress for homeowners suffering from hay fever — and unfortunately, lawn care isn’t a task you can skip if you want to keep your landscape looking its best.
If you have a grass-heavy landscape, another long-term solution for mitigating the impact of pollen producers in your yard: Reducing the amount of grass in your yard.
To create a landscape that requires little to no mowing, you can take a number of approaches. One excellent, easy-to-accomplish option we recommend to homeowners is replacing existing grass with low-maintenance ground covers, such as creeping thyme, sweet woodruff and Japanese pachysandra.
The goal of a less-grassy yard also is an opportunity to look at your landscape with an entirely new vision. For many of our clients, this includes building a new hardscape, such as a patio or walkway, or even a large-scale project like an outdoor kitchen or a gathering space with a fireplace.
Weeds like nothing more than claiming a bare, patchy spot of yard as their own. Many of these weeds, such as ragweed, are common causes of allergies.
However, regular mulching around your trees, shrubs and garden beds is a great allergy-prevention strategy. It’s much easier to suppress the growth of these pollen-heavy weeds from the start, rather than tackling them once they’ve taken hold.
Some of the best types of organic mulch for Massachusetts include wood chips and shredded bark.
Even with a landscape designed thoughtfully for allergy sufferers, it’s impossible to prevent all pollen grains from making its way into your yard from other areas. A windbreak creates a natural shield against pollen, making your outdoor space a safer, more enjoyable place for those with pollen allergies.
Dense evergreens like arborvitae, boxwood and inkberry holly — all of which are commonly found in Massachusetts — can function as a windbreak when planted in rows or groups.
When adding a windbreak to your yard, it’s extremely important to consider factors like the prevailing wind direction, exposure and slope. A professional landscape design company can help you determine the best area of your landscape to plant a windbreak to maximize its effectiveness in reducing allergy symptoms.
By implementing these organic landscaping strategies, you can create an allergy-free garden that minimizes pollen allergies and maximizes enjoyment. With the right plants, thoughtful lawn care, and smart design choices like mulch and ground covers, it’s possible to enjoy a beautiful, low-allergen landscape all year long.
Whether you’re sensitive to pollen, struggle with sneezing in the spring, or want to create a healthier environment for your family, these allergy-friendly techniques will help you reclaim your outdoor space.
To learn more about designing a custom landscape for your home, download our free ebook, Personalized Landscape Design: Why You Should Leave It to the Professionals. If you're ready to get started on your new landscape project, or simply learn more about the process, you can contact our team here to schedule a free consultation. We'd love to talk to you!