5 Lawn Maintenance Tips for Allergy Sufferers

Do you suffer from allergies? Research shows that between 10% and 30% of the global population is allergic to at least one substance. During the spring months, of course, allergies are more common. Spring is the time of year when flowers and plants blossom, resulting in high levels of pollen that can trigger allergy attacks. Whether you're planning on mowing your lawn, planting new flowers or performing any other form of lawn maintenance, you should consider the following tips to protect against allergies.

#1) Bag the Clippings

When mowing your lawn, bag the grass clippings. Most lawnmowers come with a removable bag. You can use this bag to collect the grass clippings rather than mulching them. Mulching the grass clippings is worse for allergy sufferers. If you mulch the grass clippings, particles of grass and other plant matter will be released into the air, which could lead to an allergy attack. You'll have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience if you bag the grass clippings, instead.

#2) Water Regularly

Watering your lawn regularly can give you the upper hand on allergies. Allergies are more likely to occur with dry lawns. With a dry lawn, pollen will easily flow through the air. A wet and hydrated lawn, on the other hand, helps to control pollen. Pollen will remain saturated in water, which weighs it down and prevents the pollen from easily floating through the air.

#3) Perform Lawn Maintenance Early

It's a good idea to perform lawn maintenance early in the morning. There's typically more moisture on the ground during the early morning hours as opposed to the midday or evening hours. If you wait until the sun is already out to perform lawn maintenance, you'll have a greater risk of allergies because of the lack of moisture on the ground. During the early morning hours, conversely, there's more moisture on the ground to control pollen, thus lowering your risk of allergies.

#4) Leave Shoes at the Door

Take off your shoes and leave them at the front door after you are finished with your lawn maintenance. You'll inevitably collect pollen and other allergens on your shoes. If you wear your shoes inside your home, you'll trek these allergens from room to room. Taking off your shoes and leaving them at the front door, however, will promote a more allergen-free home.

#5) Wear a Dust Mask

Don't forget to wear a dust mask when performing lawn maintenance. A dust mask is a simple accessory that can make a world of difference in your allergies. When worn, it will create a barrier between your mouth and nose and outside air. Any allergens floating in the air won't be able to pass through the mask. As a result, you can breathe freely while wearing a dust mask without fear of inhaling allergens.