HOUSTON — They're pretty and can smell great and often, they're full of pollen and other allergens that can leave us sniffling and sneezing.
But what if there were flowers, shrubs or beautiful plants that could help ease your allergies?
“Let me set the record straight,” said certified arborist Curt Smith. “Most of the allergies that we suffer from come from the larger trees, in particular, live oaks. The tree down the street, across the street is most likely going to give you the problems the allergic reactions that cause you misery."
Curt says while we can't just go around cutting down trees to cut down on allergies, you can control what's planted on your property.
“Pick your plants that you like to enjoy your backyard,” he said.
So I just learned from Curt the more colorful the flower, the less airborne pollen it produces and that means less allergic reaction.
There are other factors to consider -- ornamental grasses can produce more wind-blown pollen.
“That’s the reason that we like them, because when they're out in the environment, they're blowing around kind of give you that false impression that it's a lot cooler because of the undulation of the plant,” Smith said.
And you can buy plants, based on another little known factor. Female trees produce less pollen than male trees.
“Get the female plant because it has less pollen,” he said. "Yes, that's true. However the tree across the street, the tree in your neighbor’s backyard, is going to have that wind-blown pollen.
Smith cautions there will always be pollen spreading in the air and aggravating those allergies, so when it comes to your home, you can try to lessen pollen's impact.
But make sure you'll also be happy with your choice...
“Just get the right plant for you that makes you happy,” he said.