Lawn care 101: Tips for hay fever sufferers
Lawn care 101: Tips for hay fever sufferers
Essential tips and tricks that will help you enjoy nature and breathe easy!
The warmth of the sun on your skin, the gentle rustle of leaves and freshly mowed green grass – these are the hallmarks of spring and summer that entice us to step outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. Although, for those plagued by the seasonal spectre of hay fever, this idyllic scene comes with a price. The itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion turns a leisurely stroll through the park or a day spent with family in the backyard into an uncomfortable experience.
In this blog, we’re delving into the world of lawn care, specifically tailored to those who battle hay fever. We understand the struggle of wanting to enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the discomfort of allergy symptoms. With a few strategic adjustments to your lawn care routine, you’ll be able to create a space where you can breathe easy.
Regardless of whether you are a seasoned green thumb or a newbie to the world of gardening, these lawn tips and tricks will help you reclaim your outdoor haven. So, grab those gardening gloves and let’s get started!
1. Allergy-friendly varieties of grass
The main culprit identified in causing hay fever is the pollen that comes from rye grass which can produce over half a tonne per hectare of pollen. Unfortunately, rye grass can be found just about anywhere and is usually located in lawn and turf used in many home gardens, roadside verges, parks, sporting fields, tracks and pastures.
If you’re hoping to enjoy time in your own backyard whilst living with an allergy, it is often best to look for a warm-season grass type, one that grows vegetatively and steer away from cool-season grass types that tend to throw a lot more seed.
Buffalo, Kikuyu, Couch and Zoysia grasses are all warm-season grasses that have runners (stolons) and are usually the best turf choices when it comes to home lawns in Australia for those suffering from allergies.
In particular, there are many buffalo grass Perth based advocates due to the fact that this turf variety not only looks great but has been specifically tested for allergens and has no known issues. Unless left un-mown or lacking in fertiliser, buffalo grass produces few, if any, seed heads.
2. The importance of mowing height
There are a few easy tips that we recommend following to ease your allergy symptoms when mowing your lawn. The first is to keep your grass mowed to a height of about 2 inches to prevent the grass from pollinating as often. We also suggest bagging lawn clippings and compost if possible to keep pollen levels low. Lastly, you should always shower and change your clothes immediately after mowing the lawn.
3. Helpful irrigation practices
If you suffer from uncomfortable grass pollen allergies, it might be a good idea to begin controlling the pollen production in your backyard. Lawn maintenance is the key to pollen reduction, and if you’re short on time, installing an in-ground sprinkler system can definitely help.
We also suggest minimising your exposure to pollen by choosing not to garden on windy days, and as mentioned previously, installing an in-ground sprinkler system, preferably drip irrigation as this reduces the spread of pollen grains.
4. Selecting the right fertilisers
Another way to reduce the number of allergens present in your lawn is to ensure that you fertilise your lawn and choose the right kind of fertiliser. A well-fertilised lawn will be healthier and therefore more resistant to disease which results in fewer allergens being produced.
It’s important to choose a fertiliser that is safe for people and pets, as some fertilisers can actually be harmful. Fertilisers that are labelled as ‘organic’ or ‘safe for humans and pets’ are the best option. We also recommend following the instructions on the packaging carefully because over-fertilisation can also produce allergens.
Helping you create lush lawns and lifelong memories!
Joondalup Turf Farm can provide you with the highest quality and largest variety of grass and all of the turf supplies Perth lawn lovers need. We also offer complimentary care plans and advice regarding every aspect of installation and aftercare if you require it!
We’re open 7 days a week so we can help you if you are a busy landscaper on the way to your next job or a weekend warrior laying lawn for the family backyard. Both pick-up and delivery throughout the Perth metropolitan area are available. If you would prefer to pick it up, simply call ahead and we can have your order ready for collection in an hour.
