DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Trees are waking up due to the recent warm spell we’ve experienced across central NC and that means pollen counts are increasing.
In just a few short weeks, pine pollen will coat almost everything as the peak of the spring pollen season arrives.
Luckily for allergy sufferers, pine pollen is less allergenic when compared to pollen grains from hardwood trees like hickory and oak, according to Professor Robert Bardon of NC State University.
Pine pollen grains are two to three times larger than other types of tree pollen. For this reason, it’s less likely to irritate the respiratory tract.
The peak of pine pollen season is between late March and early April.
It’s worth noting, tree pollen is often the cause of most spring allergies. For certain trees, the pollen season runs through the end of May.
Tree pollen counts tend to rise after sunrise. Mornings are typically more humid which reduces the dispersal of tree pollen.
Afternoons are usually when pollen counts are highest as the air dries out, temperatures rise, and wind speeds pick up. This lifts the pollen into the air.
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