2025’s Worst Cities for Grass Allergies This Summer

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen?

1. Stay inside and run the air conditioner.
2. Medications, such as an intranasal glucocorticoid like fluticasone.
3. Allergen immunotherapy.

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? What are the most allergy-friendly grass types?

Bahia and Bermuda grasses are the most troublesome here in Florida. They are used here in the southeast for lawns.

However, in the northeast and central part of the country, Timothy grass, orchard, red top, and June grasses are primary wild grasses, not commercial grasses used for lawns. They cause problems just like any grass because of the pollen they shed into the air, which is very small and buoyant, and can end up 100 miles away.

St. Augustine is best here in Florida because it is used in lawns and cut before it pollinates. But grass pollen, just like other pollen, is carried in the wind hundreds of miles. So for someone who does not work in the yard, the geographic area they live in, rather than what they have in their backyard, is what causes the most trouble for grass-allergic individuals.

The exception is people who are very allergic; they can have exacerbations of their allergic problems when they are closely exposed, for example, rolling or playing in the grass.

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies?

That you can become immune just by being continuously exposed to the grass season.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?

Seasonal allergies last for weeks and months, not days or a week, as does a cold. Colds usually, but not always, are associated with a fever and chills.

How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen?

By appropriate skin tests or blood studies.

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end?

This depends on the area of the country. Our grass season in Florida is year-round, depending on the amount of rain and the temperature, with the worst part of the year during the rainy season when the grass grows like crazy.

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen?

1. Intranasal corticosteroids, E.g., fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex)

These are the most effective first-line therapy for allergic rhinitis. Studies consistently show they outperform antihistamines in symptom control, particularly for nasal congestion.

2. Second-generation oral antihistamines, E.g., cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine

These are non-sedating and effective for sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

3. Long-term disease-modifying treatment that reduces sensitivity to grass pollen. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are both proven to reduce symptoms and medication use over several seasons.

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? What are the most allergy-friendly grass types?

Most allergenic grass types:

• Timothy grass (Phleum pratense)
• Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
• Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)
• Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
• Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)

These grasses produce large amounts of highly allergenic pollen and are common across North America and Europe.

More allergy-friendly grasses:

• Buffalo grass
• Zoysia grass
• Fescues (some types, especially fine fescues)

These produce less pollen and are often used in hypoallergenic lawn mixes.

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies?

Misconception: “Only people with visible hay fever symptoms are affected.”

Truth: Many people experience non-nasal symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, and decreased concentration due to allergic inflammation, even if they don’t have an obvious runny nose or sneezing.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?

How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen?

Skin prick testing or specific IgE blood testing (e.g., ImmunoCAP) can identify specific sensitization to grass pollens vs. trees or weeds.

Symptom timing is also a clue:

• Tree pollen: early spring
• Grass pollen: late spring to summer
• Weed pollen: late summer to fall

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end?

Starts: Late spring (May in many temperate regions)

Peaks: Late May to June

Ends: Mid-to-late summer (July or August), though this varies by geography and weather.

Regional variation matters:

• In the southern U.S., grass season may start as early as March.
• In the northern U.S. or Canada, it may start later, around May or June.

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen?

1. Avoidance measures including keeping windows closed at home and in the car, showering after spending significant time outside, wearing a mask while mowing the lawn, etc.
2. Over the counter allergy medications including 24 hour nonsedating antihistamines, nasal steroids sprays, allergy eye drops
3. See a board certified Allergy/Immunology specialist for allergy testing and a comprehensive management plan

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? What are the most allergy-friendly grass types?

The most abundant grasses in the Midwest tend to be the northern pasture grasses, which include Timothy, Kentucky blue, perennial rye, meadow fescue, brome, red top, and sweet vernal. Additional regional grasses include Bermuda and Johnson. All grasses produce pollen, but there is some thought that Bermuda, perennial rye, and meadow fescue may produce somewhat less pollen.

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies?

You are only exposed to grass allergens when you are exposed to fresh-cut grass. Though this exposes you acutely to high levels of grass allergen, grass pollinates seasonally and is present in the air consistently during that time.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?

Both seasonal allergies and colds can involve nasal drainage, nasal congestion, sore throat, ear pressure, and cough. Seasonal allergies can last for several weeks, be associated with more sneezing, itchy eyes/ears/nose/throat.

A cold will generally last for 7-10 days, may be associated with malaise, low-grade fever, body aches, and can often be traced back to a sick contact.

How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen?

Grass pollen season will typically occur late spring to early summer and can vary regionally. Late winter/early spring and late summer/fall allergies would not typically be due to grass pollen. There are resources online to identify what allergens are high at any given time in your area.

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end?

As noted above, the grass pollen season will typically start in late spring and end by mid-summer. However, this can vary regionally based on climate variations.

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen?

1. While difficult, avoidance can be helpful. Grass pollen counts are highest between morning and late afternoon, with the peak at midday. If outdoor activities can be delayed until the evening, this can be helpful. Monitor for high pollen days (multiple sources can be used). If possible, limiting time outdoors on these days can be helpful. Keeping windows closed and using HEPA filtration with the air conditioning can also help. If you have to mow the lawn, then I recommend wearing a mask (I do) and removing clothes and showering after outdoor activities.

1. Saline irrigations after outdoor exposure can mechanically remove aeroallergens from the nasal passages and minimize their impact. I recommend that patients with significant allergic rhinitis use saline irrigations twice daily and after spending time outdoors during their allergy season. It is important to only irrigate with boiled or distilled water.

1. Over-the-counter nasal sprays, including intranasal corticosteroids and intranasal antihistamine sprays, are recommended as initial medical treatment for allergic rhinitis. The combination of the two types of medications is more effective in more severe allergies. Other options include oral (tablet) antihistamines to help alleviate symptoms.
2. Immunotherapy, either subcutaneous injection (allergy shots) or sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops or tablets), can be very helpful for long-term symptoms that are not controlled by the above recommendations or for those who wish to minimize the hassle of grass allergies over time. That said, immunotherapy is a time commitment and should be discussed in detail with the physician treating your allergies.

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season?

This depends on what part of the country you live in, as some types of grass are only present in certain regions. Grasses that are most commonly implicated in allergy include Bermuda grass, Timothy grass, Kentucky bluegrass, orchard grass, ryegrass, and sweet vernal grass.

Also, the timing of grass allergies tends to vary by region. The southeast and west coast are commonly the first to see a spike in grass pollen, typically between April and June. Next, grass allergies peak in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest between May and June. Those with grass allergies lucky enough to live in the Rocky Mountains have the shortest grass allergy season, generally only the month of June.

What are the most allergy-friendly grass types?

While there are not really any hypoallergenic grasses, some grasses, such as perennial rye grass and tall fescue, generally don’t flower or release pollen until they are quite tall (about 12 inches).

Given that most people don’t allow their yards to reach this height, using these types of grass can help reduce pollen counts. There are also some hybrid grasses meant to cut down on pollen production. The real challenge, though, is that unless all of your neighbors have the same type of grass, you will still likely be exposed.

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies?

A common misconception about grass allergies is that people believe they are allergic to the grass blades themselves, and that allergies are caused by touching the grass or walking through the grass.

Most grass allergies are due to the pollen released during the grass’s reproductive cycle. Male grass flowers produce pollen grains that are lightweight and easily dispersed through the air with even a light wind. People with grass pollen allergies react to proteins found in the pollen, which their immune systems mistakenly recognize as harmful.

So, while someone may think mowing the lawn or sitting on the grass causes their symptoms because of direct contact, the real culprit is often inhaled grass pollen, which can trigger symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?

Seasonal allergies and the common cold can have similar symptoms, but there are some differences to watch for. Allergies often begin suddenly, especially with exposure to allergens like pollen, and can last for weeks or even months as long as the allergen is present.

In contrast, a cold develops gradually over a few days and typically resolves within 3 to 10 days. Allergies often present with frequent sneezing and clear, watery nasal discharge, usually accompanied by itchy eyes, nose, or throat. These symptoms are not typically seen with a cold.

Colds may also begin with clear nasal drainage, but it often becomes thicker and may turn yellow or green. Coughing can occur in both conditions, but allergy-related coughs are usually dry and nonproductive, while colds often produce a wet or productive cough.

Fever and body aches are also common with a cold, but are not features of allergies. Finally, allergies tend to flare up in specific seasons or environments, especially outdoors, while colds are more likely to result from close contact with infected individuals.

How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen?

Patients may be able to get an idea through some clues, such as timing and the environment in which the symptoms occur. For instance, if the symptoms return each year during the grass pollen season, this may be a clue that this is a grass allergy. Also, if symptoms tend to worsen with exposure to fresh-cut grass, grass pollen is likely.

That said, there may be significant overlap, and the best way to know for sure is to combine symptoms with an allergy test. Allergy testing can be done by skin testing or blood draws. If the symptoms, timing, and environment match, and a patient has a positive grass allergy test, this is diagnostic of grass allergy.

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end?

This also varies by region, and my response is the same for the question above (What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season?)

While there is variability, the timing of grass allergies tends to vary by region. The southeast and west coast commonly are the first to see a spike in grass pollen, typically between April and June. Next, grass allergies peak in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest between May and June. Those with grass allergies lucky enough to live in the Rocky Mountains have the shortest grass allergy season, generally only the month of June.

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen?

1. Avoidance is difficult, but when indoors, keeping windows closed and running the A/C prevents outdoor allergens from coming indoors.
2. Medications can help treat the symptoms or mild symptoms. An oral non-sedating antihistamine is effective for controlling itching, sneezing, and runny nose, but is not effective for nasal congestion. For moderate to severe symptoms, nasal sprays, such as a nasal corticosteroid or a nasal antihistamine spray, either alone or in combination, are very effective when used on a regular basis until the season ends.  
3. For long-term management, allergen immunotherapy to grass pollen is very effective at inducing tolerance and allowing patients to reduce or discontinue medications. Allergen immunotherapy can be administered as sublingual tablets approved by the FDA or as subcutaneous injections. The latter is more appropriate if patients are sensitized to multiple allergens. Allergen immunotherapy, if effective at reducing patient-reported symptoms, should be continued for 3-5 years for optimal effectiveness, although some patients may require longer courses.

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? 

The grasses will vary regionally but Timothy, fescue, and brome are common grasses. Bermuda is not as cross-reactive. Most grasses are 80% or more cross-reactive, meaning they are homogeneous in the allergen structure.

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies? 

Many people believe allergies are a mild nuisance when, in fact, they have a significant impact on quality of life, work, and leisure activities.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?

A cold is self-limiting and goes a way after a few days, whereas allergies are more persistent and recurrent at the same time each year. Allergies will improve when the patient goes into an air-conditioned environment and is more responsive to non-sedating antihistamines and nasal sprays.

How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen?

Typically, grass-sensitized patients will have itching of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and post-nasal drainage when they are outdoors during the grass season. 

The grass season in the Midwest typically begins in late May and goes to mid-July, but varies regionally in some parts of the country. Sometimes it is not evident to patients that grass is the culprit which can make a diagnosis of grass allergy more challenging.

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end?  

This will depend on the part of the country, but as discussed above, in the Midwest they begin in late May and end mid-July but could begin earlier and last longer.

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen? 

The three primary ways for alleviating allergy symptoms associated with grass pollen include:

1.  Avoid as much as possible. Keeping the windows in the house and cars closed during grass pollen season can be helpful. 
2. Another remedy includes changing clothes and taking a shower after working outdoors to rinse off the pollen. Nasal irrigation rinses can also be helpful after working outdoors. 
3. Finally, allergy medications such as over-the-counter oral antihistamines or topical nasal corticosteroids can be helpful. Consult with your doctor if you have questions about taking these medications.

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? What are the most allergy-friendly grass types? 

Unfortunately, there really isn’t an allergy-friendly type of grass. Generally speaking, there are southern grasses and northern pasture grasses. There is extensive cross-reactivity among the pollen of the cool and warm-season grasses. When looking under the microscope, these grass pollen look identical, as they are all large and monoporate. 

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies?

The most common misconception about grass allergy is it will cause people symptoms all year long when they are mowing their lawn. The only part of the grass that people are allergic to is the pollen, and that is only being produced at a specific time of year. 

If patients are having symptoms consistently throughout the year, it could be more of a fungal spore allergy as mowing stirs up spores as well.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold? 

Patients with seasonal allergies can have symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, and post-nasal drainage. Some of the symptoms can also overlap with the common cold.  

Allergy symptoms can be correlated with peaks in pollen counts, whereas colds are not.  Allergies also typically do not cause fever, which can be seen with viral infections.

How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen?

The time of year that patients have symptoms can somewhat help distinguish what pollen may be causing the allergy symptoms. For instance, trees typically pollinate in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall. The only way to tell for certain, however, which pollen a patient is allergic to is by allergy testing.

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end? 

The exact onset of grass pollen season is more specific regionally but as a whole, grasses will pollinate in the late spring to early summer and, to a lesser extent, a brief pollination in the fall. There is growing evidence through climate change that the length of grass pollination season is extending.

What are the top three ways to alleviate allergy symptoms from grass pollen?

1. Medications will probably be the most useful way for people to deal with the problem in the short run, either an antihistamine or a nasal steroid spray. 
2. Over the long term, allergy shots can reduce the symptoms in a more permanent fashion but do involve a number of visits to the clinic to get the shots. 
3. Avoidance of the pollen is helpful in theory — doing things like closing the windows at night and running your air conditioner or HEPA filter to filter out pollens — but can come at the cost also avoiding things you might otherwise want to do in your life, like being outdoors, hiking, etc.

What kinds of grasses are the most troublesome during allergy season? What are the most allergy-friendly grass types?

Unfortunately, grass pollens are highly cross-reactive, meaning that if you are sensitized to one pollen, you will react to most of them. However, your lawn is not usually the problem. Grass pollen is released when grass grows up and goes to seed, so the pollens causing your symptoms are not usually coming from your lawn, which is kept mowed.

What is one common misconception about seasonal grass allergies?

A common misconception is that people with grass pollen allergies cannot play field sports like soccer or football. Your symptoms are not coming from the field you are playing on; it’s the wild grasses that have gone to seed that are the problem. 

Grass pollens can blow in the wind for miles, so ripping out your lawn or refusing to play field hockey will have little effect on your symptoms.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold? 

Itching is probably the major symptom that is different, with itching being much more prominent in allergies. Allergies also do not cause fevers, so if a fever is present, it is not an allergy. 

Allergies will wax and wane from day to day depending on pollen exposure, but will be present for days to weeks, or longer. Cold symptoms will start and end in a few days, typically, and follow a steady course of getting worse and then better.

How can a person tell if they’re allergic to grass pollen versus other types of pollen?

Grass pollen allergies and allergies to other types of pollen (cedar, olive tree, and others) will look the same with generally the same symptoms, but they will occur at different times of year, as you will only have symptoms when the tree or grass is pollinating. An allergy test can help distinguish which pollens one is sensitized to.

When does grass allergy season typically begin and end?

The grass pollen season depends on where you live. In the San Francisco Bay Area, it will begin usually around May and end sometime in July. This is changing and expanding somewhat with changes in climate, though.