Pine Trees are Likely not Making You Sneeze

Hello, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Pine pollen gets somewhat of a bad rap, it is extraordinarily evident when it is being released in March and April, covering cars, porch furniture, walls of houses and everything else with its distinctive yellow color. Makes sense that when people are sneezing and their eyes are running that the ubiquitous and highly visible pine tree pollen gets blamed. If you can eat those delicious pine nuts without trouble, you probably aren’t allergic to pine pollen. Apparently, not many people are actually allergic to that particular pollen and are fussing about the wrong trees. Oaks, walnuts, and hickories are the trees with inconspicuous pollen that apparently should get the blame. Fortunately, trees only produce pollen for about two months, and the sunny, breezy mornings are when most of it is being released.