Pollen counts are ‘very high’ in Central Kentucky. Is allergy season peaking?
Allergy sufferers, lock in: Spring has arrived in Kentucky, which means some of the worst months for pollen production are just ahead.
According to the 2025 report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America that mapped the worst places in the country for allergy sufferers, most of the top 20 “allergy capitals” can be found in the South.
That said, Wichita, Kan., ranks the No. 1 worst city in the country for allergy sufferers based on daily pollen counts, over-the-counter medication sales data and the number of practicing allergists and immunologists.
To get at whether Lexington has reached peak pollen production for the season, we spoke with Heather Wilson, the city’s urban and community forestry section manager. For insights into what may be triggering your allergies and tips to manage them, here’s what to know.
Has Lexington reached peak pollen for the 2025 season?
The thing to know about pollen, Wilson notes, is it’s cyclical with different varieties peaking throughout the spring, summer and fall.
This is helpful because, if you know which type of pollen triggers your allergies, you can take steps to minimize your exposure during its peak production.
According to Wilson, tree pollen production peaks between February and April, though it can vary year-to-year based on numerous factors, including temperature and rainfall amounts. We also know climate change is extending allergy season and making it more severe.
Outside of early spring, other plants produce the bulk of pollen allergy sufferers endure. Between April and July, it tends to be grasses, then switches over to weeds in the late summer and early fall, Wilson explained.
As for where pollen production stands in the short term, the latest 15-day pollen count as of April 15 from The Weather Channel projects very high tree pollen activity in Lexington this week.
Which trees are triggers for pollen allergies?
For pollen to be a problem to humans, it has to be small enough to target our receptors and carried by the wind, Wilson said.
When it comes to tree pollen, the following varieties tend to be the biggest allergy triggers:
Ash
Beech
Oak
Juniper
Cedar
Mulberry
Elm
Poplars
Maples
What can you do to cope with pollen allergies?
The first thing you should do is find out what’s triggering your allergies so you can take steps to avoid it, Wilson said. If that trigger happens to be pollen from oak trees, for example, avoid visiting parks where there are lots of oak trees in March and April, when oak pollen peaks.
If you need to take medication for your allergies, even if it’s not prescription, start taking it two weeks before pollen production peaks to give your body time to adjust.
If you wait until you start experiencing symptoms, “it’s not going to be able to give you much relief right away,” Wilson said.
Other tips for managing pollen allergies include:
When you get home after a walk, either leave your shoes outside or in a dedicated space in your home. Tracking pollen in on your shoes allows it to permeate your home. You might also consider showering and throwing your clothes into the wash, Wilson said.
Vacuum regularly and wash your sheets and bedding at least once a week.
Avoid opening windows for extended periods during pollen season.
Be mindful your pets may carry pollen on their fur if they spend time outside. Brush them regularly and wash your hands after petting them.
Use a HEPA air filter to trap pollen and other allergy triggers.
Use the weather app on your phone to stay on top of the pollen forecast.
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This story was originally published April 16, 2025 at 4:50 AM.