San Antonio Faces Cedar Fever Season as Mountain Cedar Pollen Makes a Comeback
Hey there, San Antonio! If you’ve been feeling a little sneezy lately, you’re not alone. That’s right, mountain cedar pollen is back in action, and it’s here to stay until around Valentine’s Day. Thanks to a chilly cold front that swept through, our lovely city is now bracing itself for the annual onslaught of pollen that brings with it a side of itchy eyes, sore throats, and plenty of sneezing!
What’s the Deal with Mountain Cedar?
So, what’s mountain cedar? Here’s the scoop: Despite its name, mountain cedar isn’t actually a cedar tree! It’s a type of juniper tree known as Ashe juniper, which gets its name from a pioneering forester, William Willard Ashe. You’ll typically find these trees thriving in areas with limestone soils and hilly environments, making the Texas Hill Country their home sweet home. It’s estimated that this region has over 35 million tons of these juniper trees. Yikes!
As winter rolls in, the cold front kicks up a storm, shaking loose all that cedar pollen. If you live near areas like San Antonio or Austin, you’re in for a rough allergy season. The wind carries all that pesky pollen down to us city dwellers, and it’s not a pretty sight.
How Does Cedar Pollen Work?
Let’s break it down! Did you know that there are male and female mountain cedar trees? Only the male trees produce the notorious pollen that sends allergy sufferers into a frenzy. Those tiny cones on male trees start releasing pollen from December through mid-February, and once they’re open, it’s definitely game on for allergy season. According to local experts, a typical peak season sees pollen counts skyrocketing to between 20,000 to 32,000 grains per cubic meter of air. Just imagine a big square filled with all that trouble!
What to Expect
For many of us, ‘cedar fever’ makes its presence felt with those oh-so-fun symptoms like sneezing fits, watery eyes, and a constant battle with mucus. Dr. Dennis Dilley, an allergist, mentioned that these symptoms can really take the fun out of winter. Those with allergies often have to deal with these nasty effects every year, which is no walk in the park!
How to Deal with Allergies
So, what can you do to fight back against this mountain of pollen? Allergists suggest a mix of strategies. You might want to consider popping an allergy pill daily or using a handy nasal spray. Allergy drops have also been known to help, and in advanced cases, allergy shots may be the way to go. If you’re thinking of cutting down on cedar trees in your yard, San Antonio allows it—just keep in mind they’re practically everywhere in the Hill Country!
The Northern Winds Keep Blowing
Even if you *do* clear out those trees, the mountain cedar’s pollen is still going to find its way to you. With those chilly northern winds, the pollen can easily remain a part of your life. So, be prepared:
- Stay updated on the pollen count regularly
- Consider using air purifiers
- And don’t forget to wash your hands frequently to avoid bringing more pollen into your home!
Conclusion
So whether you love the outdoors or prefer to stay inside with a box of tissues, it’s wise to keep an eye on that mountain cedar pollen count. Let’s all try to make it through this season together while we keep those watery eyes and sniffles at bay. Stay safe, San Antonio!
