Some of the worst tree allergy triggers are birch, oak, cedar, ash, mulberry, and elm. 

These trees are highly likely to trigger allergies because of their lightweight and their ability to release large amounts of pollen that travel easily through air.  

Allergy sufferers living in areas with large number of these trees may suffer from persistent allergy symptoms.

If you suffer from persistent tree allergy and it is affecting your daily life, Quello allergy drop can help provide long-term relief. 

Here are the 6 worst trees that may worsen your allergy symptoms:

1. Birch

Birch tree pollen is a major allergy trigger in the United States, especially in the southeastern states such as Texas, Iowa, Virginia, and northern Florida. (1) These trees are known for their tall, thin trunks and white bark.

Studies show that about 15% of the general population's immune systems recognize birch as an allergen.  (2) 

Birch tree pollen is typically highest in the morning and in spring. (3)  If you have severe allergies after being exposed to birch trees. It may be best to plan your day around these times. Alternatively, choose allergy immunotherapy, such as Quello’s allergy drops, that retrains your immune system to react better to Birch.

About 50 to 75% of adults allergic to birch tree pollen might notice that their mouth or throat becomes itchy after eating an apple or celery. If you notice this pattern, allergen testing can help you determine whether you are allergic to birch tree pollen. Take a free test here.

2. Oak

Oak trees are another major contributor to spring allergies. (4) This tree is found in nearly every state in the United States, except for Alaska and Hawaii.

There are over 450 species of oak, and they shed large amounts of pollen that spreads by wind and can cause severe allergic reactions.

Oak pollen seasons may begin as early as mid-February and last through May. However, pollen counts of oak trees are highest in March and April.

Studies have shown that about 30% of people with oak allergies have immune systems that react strongly to oak pollen. (5)

3. Cedar

Cedar tree, also called mountain cedar or juniper, is especially found in coastal states in the United States. (6) This tree is native to Southern Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Cedar pollen is one of the most allergy-triggering types of pollen. Mountain cedar has been reported as the number one cause of allergies in Texas. (6)

In Texas, some patients with cedar allergies also report experiencing a low-grade fever, a symptom known as “cedar fever”. (6)

Patients who are allergic to mountain cedar often experience a dry cough, red eye, runny nose, and sometimes worsening of their asthma during the cedar pollen season. (6) Cedar or juniper pollen season usually lasts from December to March.

4. Ash

Ash tree allergy is another common spring allergy.  Just like other trees in this article, ash tree pollen is light and easily carried by the wind. Because it travels long distances, it can trigger allergy symptoms even if the tree isn’t nearby.

Ash tree pollen season lasts from February to April. Sometimes, ash tree pollen season can overlap with other tree pollen seasons, like Birch, which can make your allergy symptoms worse.

Patients with ash allergy often report symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.

5. Mulberry

Mulberries are often cultivated for their fruit and as a food source for silkworms. This tree pollen is also a heavy pollinator, as it is also spread by wind.

Mulberry allergy is a spring allergen, as mulberry trees produce pollen near the end of February, and it lasts until April.

The mulberry tree is an important allergen because it is found in every state except Alaska and Nevada. (7) Its prevalence throughout the United States makes it a leading culprit for allergy sufferers. 

6. Elm

Elm is popular for its ornamental appearance and its commercial use as a hardwood.  (8)You can find elm in every state except Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, and Wyoming. (7)

Unlike other tees on this list, Elm is not a spring allergen. Its pollen is released between July and October. In Texas, cedar elm causes serious late-summer to fall allergies, especially between August and October.

Elm pollen count changes throughout the day. (8) However, the highest count has been observed between 10 AM and 8 PM. (8)

Symptoms of a Tree Pollen Allergy?

Some symptoms of tree pollen allergy include:

• Runny nose or Stuffy nose

• Postnasal drip

• Red and watery eyes

• Sneezing

• Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth

• Swelling around the eyes

• Shortness of breath, coughing, and/or wheezing

How Can You Manage Tree Pollen Allergies

There is no “cure” for tree pollen allergy. The closest treatment to a cure for tree pollen is allergy immunotherapy, such as allergy drops or shots.

Allergy drops and shots are the treatment of choice for patients seeking long-term relief from tree pollen allergies rather than just symptom management. 

Allergen immunotherapy helps treat tree pollen allergies by retraining your immune system to better tolerate the allergen.

Both allergy drops and shots are effective, safe (with minimal side effects), and a more cost-effective option than prolonged treatment with conventional allergy medicines. 

Other ways to manage tree pollen include:

• Use conventional allergy medications, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids. (Read about the best allergy medicine for tree pollen).

• Limit outdoor activities during peak tree pollen season (i.e, spring)

• Keep windows closed during the day and consider using air conditioning during the spring.

• Close your car window when the pollen count is high.

• Shower and change your clothes immediately after you get indoors

• Wear masks when outdoors during ragweed allergy season.

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• Use the National Allergy Bureau pollen count tracker to help plan outdoor activities when pollen levels are lowest.

Let Quello help you say Goodbye to Tree Pollen Allergies.

If persistent tree allergy symptoms are affecting your daily life and you’re looking for an alternative to frequent allergy medications, Quello allergy drop is worth exploring.

Start with our free allergy test to identify if dust mites are indeed your triggers. Once your test results are ready, you can book a consultation with our allergists to discuss the best way to manage your tree or seasonal allergies.