{"id":49125,"date":"2026-09-25T14:28:37","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T14:28:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=49125"},"modified":"2026-09-25T14:28:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T14:28:41","slug":"fall-allergy-forecast-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergy-forecast-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall Allergy Forecast 2026: Where Pollen Will Hit Hardest This Year"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u25cf <strong>Weed pollen<\/strong>, mainly ragweed, will be the bigger fall allergy concern nationwide this year, and could linger into October in some areas.<br>\u25cf <strong>Cities expected to see high weed pollen<\/strong> include Raleigh, Nashville, Atlanta, Little Rock, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Albuquerque.<br>\u25cf <strong>Grass pollen<\/strong> is easing nationally but will stay elevated longer in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest, including around New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Chicago.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Achoo! If you\u2019ve already gone through a few tissue boxes this September, blame the ragweed. The fall allergy forecast 2026 is in, and weed pollen (mostly from ragweed) is shaping up to be the biggest problem this year.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Southeast and southern Rockies are in for the worst of it, while grass pollen lets up across most of the country but hangs on longer than usual in parts of the East and Midwest.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can\u2019t do much about pollen blowing in from three towns away, but you can control what\u2019s happening in your own yard. Lawn Love\u2019s local pros can handle the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\">mowing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/weed-control\">weed control<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/yard-clean-up\">cleanup<\/a> that keep ragweed from taking hold before it ever has a chance to flower.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-6f34a456-9578-45ae-8800-d89aebed57cc\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergy-forecast-2026\/#0-whats-driving-this-years-forecast\" style=\"\">What&#8217;s driving this year&#8217;s forecast<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergy-forecast-2026\/#3-worst-cities-for-fall-allergies-in-2026\" style=\"\">Worst cities for fall allergies in 2026<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergy-forecast-2026\/#4-ragweed-allergy-season-2026\" style=\"\">Ragweed allergy season 2026<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergy-forecast-2026\/#5-how-to-get-rid-of-ragweed-in-your-yard\" style=\"\">How to get rid of ragweed in your yard<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergy-forecast-2026\/#6-fall-yard-care-that-cuts-down-on-pollen\" style=\"\">Fall yard care that cuts down on pollen<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergy-forecast-2026\/#7-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-whats-driving-this-years-forecast\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"whats-driving-this-years-forecast\">What&#8217;s driving this year&#8217;s forecast<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to AccuWeather&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accuweather.com\/en\/weather-forecasts\/fall-allergy-forecast-weed-grass-pollen-to-surge-in-parts-of-us\/1923626\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2026 fall allergy forecast<\/a>, warm, wet weather is pushing pollen levels up across the eastern half of the country as summer turns to fall.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/allergy-free-landscaping\/\">Grass and weed pollen<\/a> are the two allergens doing most of the damage right now, and this year the pattern splits geographically: grass is worst where population is densest, while weed pollen is spreading more widely.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trees are usually not a major source of fall pollen. In most parts of the U.S., tree pollen season peaks in early spring. Some regional exceptions include Chinese elm, identified in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantaallergy.com\/articles\/view\/330-chinese-elm-pollen-an-unusual-trigger-for-fall-allergy-symptoms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Atlanta study<\/a> as a significant August\u2013September aeroallergen, and cedar elm, a south-central species that flowers in late summer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rain isn&#8217;t all bad news for allergy sufferers, but the relief doesn&#8217;t last. Rain can temporarily wash pollen out of the air, but <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/types-of-weeds\/\">weeds<\/a> often use that moisture to grow and release even more pollen in the days that follow.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-weed-pollen-forecast\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"weed-pollen-forecast\">Weed pollen forecast<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weed pollen is expected to be the bigger story nationally this fall, with levels that could linger into October.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe warmer and rainier weather over the Southeast and the Rockies will aid in keeping the weed pollen continuing and also to keep enough moisture for the weeds to grow as well,\u201d explains Alan Reppert, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEl Ni\u00f1o typically brings warmer and wetter weather over those regions, and that is the big reason we are expecting that perfect storm for ragweed to be both high and last for a longer time,\u201d Reppert says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prevailing wind currents are also set to move allergens across state borders.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRagweed does travel quite far in the right situations,\u201d he continues.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMost of the wind patterns this year, especially in the Eastern United States, will tend to be out of the west to southwest,\u201d Reppert adds. \u201cThat will aid in keeping the season longer over most of the East, along with parts of the Midwest and Southeast.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThose would be the areas we are most likely to see that high weed pollen from in the U.S.,\u201d Reppert says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/el-nino-lawn-care\/\">Super El Ni\u00f1o 2026: What It Means for Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-grass-pollen-forecast\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"grass-pollen-forecast\">Grass pollen forecast<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Grass-pollen.-Seasonal-Allergy.png\" alt=\"Close-up of blooming grass with delicate seed heads and visible pollen against a soft green blurred background.\" class=\"wp-image-49129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Grass-pollen.-Seasonal-Allergy.png 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Grass-pollen.-Seasonal-Allergy-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Grass-pollen.-Seasonal-Allergy-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Grass-pollen.-Seasonal-Allergy-610x406.png 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grass pollen, normally a spring and summer issue, is still a problem in parts of the East and Midwest. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/close-up-of-blooming-grass-with-visible-pollen-natural-background-with-soft-green-blur-seasonal-allergy-concept-with-intricate-botanical-textures\/1516108213\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evgeniia<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grass pollen usually fades by late summer, but it\u2019s holding on longer than usual in parts of the East and Midwest this year.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFor grass pollen, we start to lose the worst of it in August and early September,\u201d Reppert says. \u201cBut things can still be high in parts of the East due to ample moisture and warm overnight temperatures.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cA lot of the warmer temperatures overnight have to do with the rainfall and high humidity levels we are seeing over the East and Midwest.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe near to above historical average rainfall is helping to keep the warmth at night, and that warmer night keeps grass and weeds and other plants from really starting to slow down or even die off when it finally gets cold enough,\u201d Reppert says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis can extend the season for several weeks in those areas,\u201d he adds. Drier weather across much of the West and parts of the Southeast should keep grass pollen below average in those areas.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"3-worst-cities-for-fall-allergies-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"worst-cities-for-fall-allergies-in-2026\">Worst cities for fall allergies in 2026<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the metro areas facing the toughest fall allergy season:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>City<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pollen concern<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Raleigh, North Carolina<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southeast rainfall boosts weed growth<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nashville, Tennessee<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Regional rainfall pattern<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Atlanta, Georgia<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southeast hotspot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Little Rock, Arkansas<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southeast hotspot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Denver, Colorado<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southern Rockies rainfall<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Salt Lake City, Utah<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southern Rockies hotspot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Albuquerque, New Mexico<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southern Rockies hotspot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New York City, New York<\/td><td>Grass<\/td><td>Warm, moist East Coast nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<\/td><td>Grass<\/td><td>Mid-Atlantic moisture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Detroit, Michigan<\/td><td>Grass<\/td><td>Midwest moisture and warmth<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chicago, Illinois<\/td><td>Grass<\/td><td>Midwest moisture and warmth<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your city isn\u2019t listed here, that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re in the clear. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dallas-Fort Worth is nowhere near this year\u2019s weed pollen hotspots, but it battles ragweed every fall. The plant grows almost anywhere, from roadsides and fence lines to thin, stressed lawns, and its pollen can ride the wind for hundreds of miles.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.northtexasallergy.com\/ragweed-allergy-in-texas-symptoms-season-treatment\/\">North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center<\/a>, Texas heat and elevated carbon dioxide levels also help extend the pollen season.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A spot on the list doesn\u2019t guarantee a bad season, either. Denver is forecast to see heavy weed pollen, but local clinicians report milder conditions so far.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis fall is not bad as of yet,\u201d says Dr. Kanao Otsu, an allergist and immunologist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaljewish.org\/doctors-departments\/kanao-otsu?tab=ratings#patientRatings\">National Jewish Health<\/a> in Denver, Colorado.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe had a really bad spring and summer, especially with the additional irritant exposures from all of the fires,\u201d Otsu adds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elsewhere, dry conditions across the northern half of the country should limit how high weed pollen climbs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The warmth in much of the nation will help to keep things average and even bring a few days of strong, high peaks over the rest of the nation,&#8221; Reppert says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can check your local pollen outlook at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pollen.com\">Pollen.com<\/a> by entering your ZIP code for a more detailed and up-to-date forecast for your area.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"4-ragweed-allergy-season-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"ragweed-allergy-season-2026\">Ragweed allergy season 2026<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ragweed_Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50.jpg\" alt=\"A dense patch of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) with tall flowering spikes growing along a gravel roadside.\" class=\"wp-image-49131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ragweed_Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ragweed_Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ragweed_Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ragweed_Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ragweed_Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ragweed is a main trigger of fall allergies. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Laval University<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ragweed is the main driver of fall allergies, and its season follows a fairly predictable pattern each year.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most parts of the country, ragweed season runs from early August into October or November, depending on how far north you live and when the first hard frost arrives.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple way to think about the season:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Starts<\/strong>: Early to mid-August in most regions<\/li>    <li><strong>Peaks<\/strong>: Mid-September in most of the country<\/li>    <li><strong>Ends<\/strong>: With the first hard frost, usually in October or November<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the forecast points to warm conditions lingering into fall across much of the country, ragweed season could run longer than average in several regions this year, particularly where weed pollen is already forecast to be elevated.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"5-how-to-get-rid-of-ragweed-in-your-yard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-ragweed-in-your-yard\">How to get rid of ragweed in your yard<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting ahead of ragweed before it flowers and releases pollen is the most effective way to reduce your exposure.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hand-pull small patches<\/strong>: Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation, and pull the plant while it\u2019s still small and before it flowers.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mow before it flowers<\/strong>: Cutting ragweed down before it produces flower heads keeps it from releasing pollen. If it has already started flowering, mowing can still help reduce the total amount released.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apply an herbicide for larger patches<\/strong>: Clemson University\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/goldenrod-ragweed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home and Garden Information Center<\/a> recommends <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-post-emergent-herbicides\/\">applying glyphosate<\/a> to ragweed while plants are still small, less than 12 inches tall, for the best results. A second application, around 3 to 4 weeks later, can finish off <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/kill-weeds-permanently\/\">larger infestations<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Crowd it out with healthy grass or ground cover<\/strong>: Ragweed struggles to establish in thick, healthy turf or dense plantings. The <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/2023\/04\/13\/how-do-you-eliminate-ragweed-from-your-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Maine<\/a> notes that a cover crop or dense planting can help crowd the weeds out of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds-in-flower-beds\/\">garden beds<\/a> where they keep coming back.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Don&#8217;t compost pulled ragweed plants if they have already gone to seed<\/strong>: The seeds can survive the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-compost-weeds\/\">composting process<\/a> and spread right back into your yard.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"6-fall-yard-care-that-cuts-down-on-pollen\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fall-yard-care-that-cuts-down-on-pollen\">Fall yard care that cuts down on pollen<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few simple habits can lower the amount of pollen you are exposed to in your yard. Homeowners often worry that outdoor work will stir up allergens, but removing problem plants pays off in the long run.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWeeding and getting rid of potential allergens are a good mitigating strategy,\u201d Otsu says.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Mow regularly through fall<\/strong> and maintain a manageable <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-height-cut-grass\/\">grass height<\/a>. Tall, unmowed grass lets weeds like ragweed flower and spread more easily.<\/li>    <li><strong>Rake up and remove fallen leaves<\/strong> regularly to keep your grass healthy, but don\u2019t assume leaf piles are the main cause of your sniffles. \u201cThe mold we worry about in the fall is more related to the airborne mold, such as Alternaria,\u201d Otsu says. \u201cAlternaria is an airborne mold that is present around late August\/September,\u201d Otsu explains. \u201cKids who are allergic and have asthma can have asthma exacerbations from this as well.<\/li>    <li><strong>Clear brush and yard debris<\/strong> where ragweed and other weeds tend to take hold along fence lines and garden edges.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-patchy-grass\/\"><strong>Fill bare patches<\/strong><\/a> of soil with grass, mulch, or ground cover so weeds have less room to grow.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergies-worse-than-ever\/\">It&#8217;s Not Your Imagination \u2013 Your Fall Allergies Are Worse Than Ever<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"7-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790005468788\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is goldenrod actually causing my fall allergies?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Goldenrod blooms at the same time as ragweed and is constantly blamed, but it is the wrong plant.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-goldenrod-and-ragweed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Goldenrod pollen<\/a> is heavy and sticky, and insects carry it from flower to flower rather than the wind. Ragweed pollen is light, dry, and wind-blown, which is exactly what makes it able to reach your sinuses.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790005500794\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">If I don\u2019t have ragweed on my property, why am I still reacting to it?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Ragweed pollen is extremely light and travels on wind currents far beyond where the plant is actually growing. That means your symptoms can be driven by ragweed growing in a neighbor\u2019s yard, a nearby field, or even several miles away, not just plants on your own property.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790005510394\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will next year\u2019s ragweed be worse if I don\u2019t deal with it this fall?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, if plants are allowed to go to seed. A single ragweed plant can drop thousands of seeds that stay viable in soil for years, so letting ragweed flower and seed this fall makes it more likely to come back, and possibly in greater numbers, next year.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-weeds-grass\/\">Pulling or mowing<\/a> it down before it seeds is the best way to keep next year\u2019s ragweed season smaller in your own yard.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790005550356\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I reduce fall allergy symptoms at home?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yard work helps, but pollen can still get inside. You should:<br>Take your shoes off before walking inside, and avoid wearing outside clothes on furniture or in bed.<br>Shower and rinse your hair after spending time outdoors, since pollen clings to skin and hair.<br>Wipe down pets&#8217; paws and fur after they have been outside, since they can track pollen in.<br>Keep windows closed and run the air conditioner or an air purifier with a HEPA filter instead.<br>Don\u2019t hang laundry outside to dry during peak pollen weeks.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790268767742\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How can I tell the difference between fall allergies and a cold?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">With children heading back to school, it\u2019s hard to distinguish between a seasonal virus and fall allergies.<br>\u201cKids are back in school, which means an increase in viral infections,\u201d Otsu says. \u201cAdenovirus is common in the summer and fall.\u201d<br>To tell the two apart, look for itching. \u201cTypically, allergies are associated with itching,\u201d Otsu explains.<br>\u201cNasal congestion can happen with both upper respiratory infections and allergies, but the difference is the absence of itchy eyes, nose, and ears,\u201d Otsu says.<br><\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"8-breathe-easy-by-hiring-a-local-lawn-care-provider\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"breathe-easy-by-hiring-a-local-lawn-care-provider\">Breathe easy by hiring a local lawn care provider<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fall allergies are quite a nuisance, and relying on the weather to freeze away your problems is a terrible strategy. While you cannot control the wind blowing pollen from the next town over, you can control your own property.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to stop sneezing and start enjoying your yard, Lawn Love\u2019s local pros can handle the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\">mowing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/weed-control\">weed control<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/leaf-removal\">leaf cleanup<\/a> so you can breathe easier this fall.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: A woman sneezes into a tissue on a colorful autumn forest path, illustrating the discomfort of seasonal fall allergies. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/images\/blonde-woman-sneezing-into-a-tissue-on-a-quiet-autumn-forest-path-colorful-fall-foliage-and-fallen-leaves-in-the-background-slightly-uncomfortable-expression-seasonal-allergies-and-common-cold-sy\/2187488930\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maksym Tereshchenko<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The fall allergy forecast 2026 predicts that ragweed will hit the Southeast and southern Rockies hardest, while grass pollen lingers in the East and Midwest.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":49281,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:table {\"className\":\"is-style-stripes\",\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u25cf <strong>Weed pollen<\/strong>, mainly ragweed, will be the bigger fall allergy concern nationwide this year, and could linger into October in some areas.<br>\u25cf <strong>Cities expected to see high weed pollen<\/strong> include Raleigh, Nashville, Atlanta, Little Rock, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Albuquerque.<br>\u25cf <strong>Grass pollen<\/strong> is easing nationally but will stay elevated longer in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest, including around New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Chicago.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Achoo! If you\u2019ve already gone through a few tissue boxes this September, blame the ragweed. The fall allergy forecast 2026 is in, and weed pollen (mostly from ragweed) is shaping up to be the biggest problem this year.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Southeast and southern Rockies are in for the worst of it, while grass pollen lets up across most of the country but hangs on longer than usual in parts of the East and Midwest.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can\u2019t do much about pollen blowing in from three towns away, but you can control what\u2019s happening in your own yard. Lawn Love\u2019s local pros can handle the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\">mowing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/weed-control\">weed control<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/yard-clean-up\">cleanup<\/a> that keep ragweed from taking hold before it ever has a chance to flower.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ub\/table-of-contents-block {\"blockID\":\"323c3b22-0578-45fa-a5f6-9fea9ac3f65f\",\"title\":\"In this article:\",\"links\":\"[{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022772ddf8f-ce93-4e7c-a542-5953dad44510\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022What's driving this year's forecast\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00220-whats-driving-this-years-forecast\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:0,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u00224361c8ce-bc67-468d-9201-853a0ec03d5f\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Weed pollen forecast\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:3,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00221-weed-pollen-forecast\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:1,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:true,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u00223c677fe2-e1e2-41d3-a2f9-857b369dde49\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Grass pollen forecast\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:3,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00222-grass-pollen-forecast\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:2,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:true,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u0022b6d945c3-20f2-4dbe-9c03-8d837a8b709e\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Worst cities for fall allergies in 2026\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00223-worst-cities-for-fall-allergies-in-2026\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:3,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u00226797a03a-ad08-4e5c-b200-41ce83cf9857\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Ragweed allergy season 2026\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00224-ragweed-allergy-season-2026\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:4,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u00226348a4b9-2bde-4227-8ca4-6dad3a382ef4\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022How to get rid of ragweed in your yard\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00225-how-to-get-rid-of-ragweed-in-your-yard\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:5,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u002226042d5a-e94a-47b7-badd-3429cb31a68d\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Fall yard care that cuts down on pollen\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00226-fall-yard-care-that-cuts-down-on-pollen\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:6,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u002238cb42e0-4c38-4195-9869-824efde90578\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022FAQs\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00227-faqs\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:7,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:false,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022},{\\u0022blockName\\u0022:\\u0022core\/heading\\u0022,\\u0022clientId\\u0022:\\u00220340d171-943b-4c9b-87c0-bff6304e8f10\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022Hire a Local Lawn Care Pro\\u0022,\\u0022level\\u0022:2,\\u0022anchor\\u0022:\\u00228-hire-a-local-lawn-care-pro\\u0022,\\u0022index\\u0022:8,\\u0022disabled\\u0022:true,\\u0022customContent\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022}]\",\"gaps\":[1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1]} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"anchor\":\"0-whats-driving-this-years-forecast\"} -->\n<h2 id=\"0-whats-driving-this-years-forecast\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What's driving this year's forecast<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to AccuWeather's <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accuweather.com\/en\/weather-forecasts\/fall-allergy-forecast-weed-grass-pollen-to-surge-in-parts-of-us\/1923626\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2026 fall allergy forecast<\/a>, warm, wet weather is pushing pollen levels up across the eastern half of the country as summer turns to fall.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/allergy-free-landscaping\/\">Grass and weed pollen<\/a> are the two allergens doing most of the damage right now, and this year the pattern splits geographically: grass is worst where population is densest, while weed pollen is spreading more widely.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Trees are usually not a major source of fall pollen. In most parts of the U.S., tree pollen season peaks in early spring. Some regional exceptions include Chinese elm, identified in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantaallergy.com\/articles\/view\/330-chinese-elm-pollen-an-unusual-trigger-for-fall-allergy-symptoms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Atlanta study<\/a> as a significant August\u2013September aeroallergen, and cedar elm, a south-central species that flowers in late summer.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Rain isn't all bad news for allergy sufferers, but the relief doesn't last. Rain can temporarily wash pollen out of the air, but <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/types-of-weeds\/\">weeds<\/a> often use that moisture to grow and release even more pollen in the days that follow.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"anchor\":\"1-weed-pollen-forecast\"} -->\n<h3 id=\"1-weed-pollen-forecast\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weed pollen forecast<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Weed pollen is expected to be the bigger story nationally this fall, with levels that could linger into October.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThe warmer and rainier weather over the Southeast and the Rockies will aid in keeping the weed pollen continuing and also to keep enough moisture for the weeds to grow as well,\u201d explains Alan Reppert, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cEl Ni\u00f1o typically brings warmer and wetter weather over those regions, and that is the big reason we are expecting that perfect storm for ragweed to be both high and last for a longer time,\u201d Reppert says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Prevailing wind currents are also set to move allergens across state borders.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cRagweed does travel quite far in the right situations,\u201d he continues.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cMost of the wind patterns this year, especially in the Eastern United States, will tend to be out of the west to southwest,\u201d Reppert adds. \u201cThat will aid in keeping the season longer over most of the East, along with parts of the Midwest and Southeast.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThose would be the areas we are most likely to see that high weed pollen from in the U.S.,\u201d Reppert says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/el-nino-lawn-care\/\">Super El Ni\u00f1o 2026: What It Means for Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"anchor\":\"2-grass-pollen-forecast\"} -->\n<h3 id=\"2-grass-pollen-forecast\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grass pollen forecast<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":49129,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Grass-pollen.-Seasonal-Allergy.png\" alt=\"Close-up of blooming grass with delicate seed heads and visible pollen against a soft green blurred background.\" class=\"wp-image-49129\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grass pollen, normally a spring and summer issue, is still a problem in parts of the East and Midwest. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/close-up-of-blooming-grass-with-visible-pollen-natural-background-with-soft-green-blur-seasonal-allergy-concept-with-intricate-botanical-textures\/1516108213\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evgeniia<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Grass pollen usually fades by late summer, but it\u2019s holding on longer than usual in parts of the East and Midwest this year.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cFor grass pollen, we start to lose the worst of it in August and early September,\u201d Reppert says. \u201cBut things can still be high in parts of the East due to ample moisture and warm overnight temperatures.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cA lot of the warmer temperatures overnight have to do with the rainfall and high humidity levels we are seeing over the East and Midwest.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThe near to above historical average rainfall is helping to keep the warmth at night, and that warmer night keeps grass and weeds and other plants from really starting to slow down or even die off when it finally gets cold enough,\u201d Reppert says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThis can extend the season for several weeks in those areas,\u201d he adds. Drier weather across much of the West and parts of the Southeast should keep grass pollen below average in those areas.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"anchor\":\"3-worst-cities-for-fall-allergies-in-2026\"} -->\n<h2 id=\"3-worst-cities-for-fall-allergies-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Worst cities for fall allergies in 2026<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These are the metro areas facing the toughest fall allergy season:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table {\"className\":\"is-style-stripes\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>City<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pollen concern<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Raleigh, North Carolina<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southeast rainfall boosts weed growth<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nashville, Tennessee<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Regional rainfall pattern<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Atlanta, Georgia<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southeast hotspot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Little Rock, Arkansas<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southeast hotspot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Denver, Colorado<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southern Rockies rainfall<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Salt Lake City, Utah<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southern Rockies hotspot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Albuquerque, New Mexico<\/td><td>Ragweed<\/td><td>Southern Rockies hotspot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New York City, New York<\/td><td>Grass<\/td><td>Warm, moist East Coast nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<\/td><td>Grass<\/td><td>Mid-Atlantic moisture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Detroit, Michigan<\/td><td>Grass<\/td><td>Midwest moisture and warmth<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chicago, Illinois<\/td><td>Grass<\/td><td>Midwest moisture and warmth<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If your city isn\u2019t listed here, that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re in the clear. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dallas-Fort Worth is nowhere near this year\u2019s weed pollen hotspots, but it battles ragweed every fall. The plant grows almost anywhere, from roadsides and fence lines to thin, stressed lawns, and its pollen can ride the wind for hundreds of miles.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.northtexasallergy.com\/ragweed-allergy-in-texas-symptoms-season-treatment\/\">North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center<\/a>, Texas heat and elevated carbon dioxide levels also help extend the pollen season.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A spot on the list doesn\u2019t guarantee a bad season, either. Denver is forecast to see heavy weed pollen, but local clinicians report milder conditions so far.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThis fall is not bad as of yet,\u201d says Dr. Kanao Otsu, an allergist and immunologist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaljewish.org\/doctors-departments\/kanao-otsu?tab=ratings#patientRatings\">National Jewish Health<\/a> in Denver, Colorado.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWe had a really bad spring and summer, especially with the additional irritant exposures from all of the fires,\u201d Otsu adds.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Elsewhere, dry conditions across the northern half of the country should limit how high weed pollen climbs.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"The warmth in much of the nation will help to keep things average and even bring a few days of strong, high peaks over the rest of the nation,\" Reppert says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can check your local pollen outlook at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pollen.com\">Pollen.com<\/a> by entering your ZIP code for a more detailed and up-to-date forecast for your area.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"anchor\":\"4-ragweed-allergy-season-2026\"} -->\n<h2 id=\"4-ragweed-allergy-season-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ragweed allergy season 2026<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":49131,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ragweed_Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50.jpg\" alt=\"A dense patch of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) with tall flowering spikes growing along a gravel roadside.\" class=\"wp-image-49131\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ragweed is a main trigger of fall allergies. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ambrosia_artemisiifolia_15-p.bot-ambro.arte-50.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Laval University<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ragweed is the main driver of fall allergies, and its season follows a fairly predictable pattern each year.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In most parts of the country, ragweed season runs from early August into October or November, depending on how far north you live and when the first hard frost arrives.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A simple way to think about the season:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Starts<\/strong>: Early to mid-August in most regions<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Peaks<\/strong>: Mid-September in most of the country<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Ends<\/strong>: With the first hard frost, usually in October or November<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Because the forecast points to warm conditions lingering into fall across much of the country, ragweed season could run longer than average in several regions this year, particularly where weed pollen is already forecast to be elevated.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"anchor\":\"5-how-to-get-rid-of-ragweed-in-your-yard\"} -->\n<h2 id=\"5-how-to-get-rid-of-ragweed-in-your-yard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get rid of ragweed in your yard<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Getting ahead of ragweed before it flowers and releases pollen is the most effective way to reduce your exposure.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Hand-pull small patches<\/strong>: Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation, and pull the plant while it\u2019s still small and before it flowers.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Mow before it flowers<\/strong>: Cutting ragweed down before it produces flower heads keeps it from releasing pollen. If it has already started flowering, mowing can still help reduce the total amount released.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Apply an herbicide for larger patches<\/strong>: Clemson University\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/goldenrod-ragweed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home and Garden Information Center<\/a> recommends <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-post-emergent-herbicides\/\">applying glyphosate<\/a> to ragweed while plants are still small, less than 12 inches tall, for the best results. A second application, around 3 to 4 weeks later, can finish off <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/kill-weeds-permanently\/\">larger infestations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Crowd it out with healthy grass or ground cover<\/strong>: Ragweed struggles to establish in thick, healthy turf or dense plantings. The <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/2023\/04\/13\/how-do-you-eliminate-ragweed-from-your-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Maine<\/a> notes that a cover crop or dense planting can help crowd the weeds out of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds-in-flower-beds\/\">garden beds<\/a> where they keep coming back.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Don't compost pulled ragweed plants if they have already gone to seed<\/strong>: The seeds can survive the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-compost-weeds\/\">composting process<\/a> and spread right back into your yard.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"anchor\":\"6-fall-yard-care-that-cuts-down-on-pollen\"} -->\n<h2 id=\"6-fall-yard-care-that-cuts-down-on-pollen\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall yard care that cuts down on pollen<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A few simple habits can lower the amount of pollen you are exposed to in your yard. Homeowners often worry that outdoor work will stir up allergens, but removing problem plants pays off in the long run.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWeeding and getting rid of potential allergens are a good mitigating strategy,\u201d Otsu says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Mow regularly through fall and maintain a manageable <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-height-cut-grass\/\">grass height<\/a>. Tall, unmowed grass lets weeds like ragweed flower and spread more easily.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Rake up and remove fallen leaves regularly to keep your grass healthy, but don\u2019t assume leaf piles are the main cause of your sniffles. \u201cThe mold we worry about in the fall is more related to the airborne mold, such as Alternaria,\u201d Otsu says.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>\u201cAlternaria is an airborne mold that is present around late August\/September,\u201d Otsu explains. \u201cKids who are allergic and have asthma can have asthma exacerbations from this as well.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Clear brush and yard debris where ragweed and other weeds tend to take hold along fence lines and garden edges.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-patchy-grass\/\">Fill bare patches<\/a> of soil with grass, mulch, or ground cover so weeds have less room to grow.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-allergies-worse-than-ever\/\">It's Not Your Imagination \u2013 Your Fall Allergies Are Worse Than Ever<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"anchor\":\"7-faqs\"} -->\n<h2 id=\"7-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:yoast\/faq-block {\"questions\":[{\"id\":\"faq-question-1790005468788\",\"question\":\"Is goldenrod actually causing my fall allergies?\",\"answer\":\"Goldenrod blooms at the same time as ragweed and is constantly blamed, but it is the wrong plant.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-goldenrod-and-ragweed\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003eGoldenrod pollen\\u003c\/a\\u003e is heavy and sticky, and insects carry it from flower to flower rather than the wind. Ragweed pollen is light, dry, and wind-blown, which is exactly what makes it able to reach your sinuses.\",\"jsonQuestion\":\"Is goldenrod actually causing my fall allergies?\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"Goldenrod blooms at the same time as ragweed and is constantly blamed, but it is the wrong plant.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-goldenrod-and-ragweed\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003eGoldenrod pollen\\u003c\/a\\u003e is heavy and sticky, and insects carry it from flower to flower rather than the wind. Ragweed pollen is light, dry, and wind-blown, which is exactly what makes it able to reach your sinuses.\",\"images\":[]},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1790005500794\",\"question\":\"If I don\u2019t have ragweed on my property, why am I still reacting to it?\",\"answer\":\"Ragweed pollen is extremely light and travels on wind currents far beyond where the plant is actually growing. That means your symptoms can be driven by ragweed growing in a neighbor\u2019s yard, a nearby field, or even several miles away, not just plants on your own property.\",\"jsonQuestion\":\"If I don\u2019t have ragweed on my property, why am I still reacting to it?\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"Ragweed pollen is extremely light and travels on wind currents far beyond where the plant is actually growing. That means your symptoms can be driven by ragweed growing in a neighbor\u2019s yard, a nearby field, or even several miles away, not just plants on your own property.\",\"images\":[]},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1790005510394\",\"question\":\"Will next year\u2019s ragweed be worse if I don\u2019t deal with it this fall?\",\"answer\":\"Yes, if plants are allowed to go to seed. A single ragweed plant can drop thousands of seeds that stay viable in soil for years, so letting ragweed flower and seed this fall makes it more likely to come back, and possibly in greater numbers, next year.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-weeds-grass\/\\u0022\\u003ePulling or mowing\\u003c\/a\\u003e it down before it seeds is the best way to keep next year\u2019s ragweed season smaller in your own yard.\",\"jsonQuestion\":\"Will next year\u2019s ragweed be worse if I don\u2019t deal with it this fall?\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"Yes, if plants are allowed to go to seed. A single ragweed plant can drop thousands of seeds that stay viable in soil for years, so letting ragweed flower and seed this fall makes it more likely to come back, and possibly in greater numbers, next year.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-weeds-grass\/\\u0022\\u003ePulling or mowing\\u003c\/a\\u003e it down before it seeds is the best way to keep next year\u2019s ragweed season smaller in your own yard.\",\"images\":[]},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1790005550356\",\"question\":\"How do I reduce fall allergy symptoms at home?\",\"answer\":\"Yard work helps, but pollen can still get inside. You should:\\u003cbr\\u003eTake your shoes off before walking inside, and avoid wearing outside clothes on furniture or in bed.\\u003cbr\\u003eShower and rinse your hair after spending time outdoors, since pollen clings to skin and hair.\\u003cbr\\u003eWipe down pets' paws and fur after they have been outside, since they can track pollen in.\\u003cbr\\u003eKeep windows closed and run the air conditioner or an air purifier with a HEPA filter instead.\\u003cbr\\u003eDon\u2019t hang laundry outside to dry during peak pollen weeks.\",\"jsonQuestion\":\"How do I reduce fall allergy symptoms at home?\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"Yard work helps, but pollen can still get inside. You should:\\u003cbr\\u003eTake your shoes off before walking inside, and avoid wearing outside clothes on furniture or in bed.\\u003cbr\\u003eShower and rinse your hair after spending time outdoors, since pollen clings to skin and hair.\\u003cbr\\u003eWipe down pets' paws and fur after they have been outside, since they can track pollen in.\\u003cbr\\u003eKeep windows closed and run the air conditioner or an air purifier with a HEPA filter instead.\\u003cbr\\u003eDon\u2019t hang laundry outside to dry during peak pollen weeks.\",\"images\":[]},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1790268767742\",\"question\":\"How can I tell the difference between fall allergies and a cold?\",\"answer\":\"With children heading back to school, it\u2019s hard to distinguish between a seasonal virus and fall allergies.\\u003cbr\\u003e\u201cKids are back in school, which means an increase in viral infections,\u201d Otsu says. \u201cAdenovirus is common in the summer and fall.\u201d\\u003cbr\\u003eTo tell the two apart, look for itching. \u201cTypically, allergies are associated with itching,\u201d Otsu explains.\\u003cbr\\u003e\u201cNasal congestion can happen with both upper respiratory infections and allergies, but the difference is the absence of itchy eyes, nose, and ears,\u201d Otsu says.\\u003cbr\\u003e\",\"jsonQuestion\":\"How can I tell the difference between fall allergies and a cold?\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"With children heading back to school, it\u2019s hard to distinguish between a seasonal virus and fall allergies.\\u003cbr\\u003e\u201cKids are back in school, which means an increase in viral infections,\u201d Otsu says. \u201cAdenovirus is common in the summer and fall.\u201d\\u003cbr\\u003eTo tell the two apart, look for itching. \u201cTypically, allergies are associated with itching,\u201d Otsu explains.\\u003cbr\\u003e\u201cNasal congestion can happen with both upper respiratory infections and allergies, but the difference is the absence of itchy eyes, nose, and ears,\u201d Otsu says.\\u003cbr\\u003e\",\"images\":[]}]} -->\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790005468788\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is goldenrod actually causing my fall allergies?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Goldenrod blooms at the same time as ragweed and is constantly blamed, but it is the wrong plant.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-goldenrod-and-ragweed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Goldenrod pollen<\/a> is heavy and sticky, and insects carry it from flower to flower rather than the wind. Ragweed pollen is light, dry, and wind-blown, which is exactly what makes it able to reach your sinuses.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790005500794\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">If I don\u2019t have ragweed on my property, why am I still reacting to it?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Ragweed pollen is extremely light and travels on wind currents far beyond where the plant is actually growing. That means your symptoms can be driven by ragweed growing in a neighbor\u2019s yard, a nearby field, or even several miles away, not just plants on your own property.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790005510394\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will next year\u2019s ragweed be worse if I don\u2019t deal with it this fall?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, if plants are allowed to go to seed. A single ragweed plant can drop thousands of seeds that stay viable in soil for years, so letting ragweed flower and seed this fall makes it more likely to come back, and possibly in greater numbers, next year.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-weeds-grass\/\">Pulling or mowing<\/a> it down before it seeds is the best way to keep next year\u2019s ragweed season smaller in your own yard.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790005550356\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I reduce fall allergy symptoms at home?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yard work helps, but pollen can still get inside. You should:<br>Take your shoes off before walking inside, and avoid wearing outside clothes on furniture or in bed.<br>Shower and rinse your hair after spending time outdoors, since pollen clings to skin and hair.<br>Wipe down pets' paws and fur after they have been outside, since they can track pollen in.<br>Keep windows closed and run the air conditioner or an air purifier with a HEPA filter instead.<br>Don\u2019t hang laundry outside to dry during peak pollen weeks.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1790268767742\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How can I tell the difference between fall allergies and a cold?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">With children heading back to school, it\u2019s hard to distinguish between a seasonal virus and fall allergies.<br>\u201cKids are back in school, which means an increase in viral infections,\u201d Otsu says. \u201cAdenovirus is common in the summer and fall.\u201d<br>To tell the two apart, look for itching. \u201cTypically, allergies are associated with itching,\u201d Otsu explains.<br>\u201cNasal congestion can happen with both upper respiratory infections and allergies, but the difference is the absence of itchy eyes, nose, and ears,\u201d Otsu says.<br><\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:yoast\/faq-block -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"anchor\":\"8-hire-a-local-lawn-care-pro\"} -->\n<h2 id=\"8-hire-a-local-lawn-care-pro\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hire a Local Lawn Care Pro<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fall allergies are quite a nuisance, and relying on the weather to freeze away your problems is a terrible strategy. While you cannot control the wind blowing pollen from the next town over, you can control your own property.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want to stop sneezing and start enjoying your yard, Lawn Love\u2019s local pros can handle the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\">mowing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/weed-control\">weed control<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/leaf-removal\">leaf cleanup<\/a> so you can breathe easier this fall.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Main Image: A woman suffers from seasonal allergy symptoms near blooming ragweed plants. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/blooming-ragweed-plant-ambrosia-genus-and-blurred-woman-on-background-closeup-seasonal-allergy\/292816535\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Africa<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-49125","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Fall-Allergy-Forecast.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Adrian Nita","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/adrian-nita\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49125"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49125\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49297,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49125\/revisions\/49297"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49125"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}