How to Plan A Low-Allergen Yard & Garden

NO GRASS = LESS ALLERGIES

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By Dusty Mills
eHow Community Member

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(6 Ratings)

It seems that everyday more and more people are finding that they have an allergy to one thing or the other. In fact, just about everyone is allergic to common problems like dust and dander to some degree. There are other's though that suffer terribly from allergies to everyday items that we find all around us. Plants, trees and shrubs create more misery for those allergic than almost anything else. Here is a way to have a yard and garden without all the misery.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

A BEAUTIFUL YARD WITHOUT GRASS

Even with that most terrible allergy Hay-fever, you can still have a great yard and garden as long as you know what type of trees and plant' s to avoid growing in your yard. One of the worst culprits you can have in your yard as a allergy sufferer is a lawn. Grass can cause many problems to those with Asthma, Hay-fever or Dermatitis. Removing the majority of the turf from your surroundings will eliminate many symptoms of your allergies. Replacing the turf with the grass St. Augustine will serve many purposes, not only with reducing allergy sys toms but removing all the cost and work associated with keeping a nice green lawn.
Step 2

THE STATELY WILLOW IS HIGHLY ALLERGIC

Only growing native plants in your yard will also be beneficial, they need less care because they thrive in their natural environment and it is thought that local birds and insects are more attracted to native species. Choose plants that count on host beings for pollination, birds, bee' s and butterfly's pollinate plants by carrying pollen from one plant to another. The pollen that these birds and insects carry is large and sticky so it is less likely to be airborne and possibly inhaled by a person. If your growing grasses or trees and shrubs that distribute pollen into the air, you should remove as many of these as possible. At the very least remove any that are close to your house so pollen cannot enter thru door's and windows. Shade trees that have been planted close to the house, especially hardwoods, are very allergic. Trees like the Birch, Maple, Willow and the Aspen are all highly allergic. Many shade trees flower prior to setting leaves and the wind will carry pollen for many miles.
Step 3

RUSSIAN THISTLE (THUMBLEWEED) SHOULD BE AVOIDED

Keeping weeds pulled in your yard and garden will lessen the likelihood of them blooming and spreading pollen. Use vinegar to pour over weeds to kill them if pulling is a real chore for you. Vinegar will eradicate many unwanted weeds and is a organic product. Steer clear of any flowering plants that have strong scents as these can trigger allergic reactions. If your neighbors have plants, trees and shrubs that you know will cause your allergies to flare, consider planting a living fence with Arborvitae, English Holly, Yew or boxwood. Remember that when outside it is possible to inhale pollen from many miles away and if necessary one should wear a dust mask.
Step 4

For gardeners with allergies, it is much healthier to be out in the yard later in the day. Pollen count is always highest first thing in the morning. If it has rained and then cleared, your in luck as this is the perfect time for gardening without pollen. While your out in the yard, do not touch your face, especially around your nose or eyes. Always wear gloves to keep pollen off your hands. When your done in the yard for the day, wash your hands thoroughly or better yet, take a shower to wash away any pollen that may have blown onto your hair and change your clothes.