Mowing the Lawn

One of my tasks today was to mow the lawn. It needed it more than usual, since we've had quite a bit of rain recently.  The forecast tonight and tomorrow includes more rain, so I really needed to mow today.

Since I am allergic to grass, I try to take a few precautions when I mow. Grass pollen is one of the primary causes of allergies during the summer.  People can also have problems while mowing from exposure to mold spores and other allergens being stirred up by mowing.


Grasses produce lightweight pollen that is blown by the wind.  That's why dry, windy days are worst for pollen allergies. Allergy to grass generally involves sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes and nose. Some people with strong allergies to grass will get hives from contact with its pollen.

Here are a few ways to minimize allergy problems from grass:

Have someone else do the mowing if possible. If not, wear a dust mask as you mow.
Shower and shampoo after mowing to remove pollen.
Choose grasses or ground covers that don't produce much pollen, such as female cultivars of grass, or Irish moss, bunch, or dichondra.
Keep grass mowed regularly.   A well-cared-for lawn generally produces less pollen.
Don't hang clothes outside to dry -- pollen bonds to fabric.
Keep windows closed so that pollen doesn't get in the house.
Stay indoors between 5:00 and 10:00 am, when pollen counts are highest.

The type of mower you use makes a difference in how much pollen is stirred up into the air. If you are using a mower with a rear-bagger, that will capture pollen along with the grass clippings. A mulching mower will deposit pollen down below the mower. Push reel mowers don't tend to fling pollen into the air. A side-discharge mower, used without a bag, is the worst choice.

Be aware that grass allergy can also be associated with oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which results in allergies to certain fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes, potatoes, and peaches. That is because the protein in grass pollen that causes the allergic reaction is very similar to a protein present in these foods. The proteins in the fruits can be easily broken down with cooking and processing, so symptoms are more likely to raw foods, and may not happen with processed foods.