Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Allergies

Allen writes~ I live in Phoenix and have an acre of lawn that was originally Bermuda Grass. This summer, Dichondra has pretty much taken over the entire lawn...especially in the shaded areas. It's much more attractive than the Bermuda Grass, but coincidental with the explosive growth of the Dichondra, I am experiencing a chronic sinusitis condition that historically occurs during our high-pollen spring seasons, when virtually every plant out here is releasing pollen. Is the Dichondra pollen-rich? Or is my current chronic allergic sinusitis simply coincidental with but not caused by the Dichondra?

A. No, from my research, it appears that Dichondra is the better choice, so your allergies are reacting to other pollen. As with tree pollen, grass pollen is regional as well as seasonal. In addition, grass pollen levels can be affected by temperature, time of day and rain. Of the 1,200 species of grass that grow in North America, only a small percentage of these cause allergies. The most common grasses that can cause allergies are:

Bermuda grass
Johnson grass
Kentucky bluegrass
Orchard grass
Sweet vernal grass
Timothy grass

Suggestions: If you have a grass lawn, have someone else do the mowing. If you must mow the lawn yourself, wear a mask. Keep grass cut short. Choose ground covers that do not produce much pollen, such as Irish moss, bunch, and Dichondra. Avoid the outdoors between 5-10 AM. Save outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen levels are lower. Keep windows in your home and car closed to lower exposure to pollen. To keep cool, use air conditioners and avoid using window and attic fans. Be aware that pollen can also be transported indoors on people and pets. Dry your clothes in an automatic dryer rather than hanging them outside. Otherwise pollen can collect on clothing and be carried indoors.

Information courtesy of: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina