What causes hay fever symptoms?
In the UK, pollen is the most common cause of hay fever, especially during certain seasons.1 This is what’s also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Tree pollen
The time of year of your symptoms flare up can give you an idea of which type of pollen you’re reacting to.
Tree pollen typically occurs from as early as February to as late as June and is thought to affect around 25% of people with hay fever.7,8
Trees like alder, oak, birch, horse chestnut, and hazel are the most likely to release pollen that can cause hay fever.7 However, other types of trees like pine, willow, and elm can also trigger hay fever symptoms.
Weed pollen
Weed pollen starts from late June to early September, depending on the type of weed.
Certain types of weeds, like nettles, release really fine pollen that’s easily blown about in the wind and can cause hay fever symptoms.10
Other common weeds that can cause hay fever symptoms include ragweed, dock weed, mugwort, and ribwort.10
Grass pollen
Most people with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen, in fact it’s thought to affect 95% of those with hay fever in the UK.
Grass pollen is generally in the air from May to July and is released from lawns, meadows, and ornamental grasses.11
In your garden, mowing your lawn regularly can help reduce the amount of grass pollen.11