Concepción identifies areas with high concentrations of allergenic trees

Municipal mapping in Concepción has identified specific areas with high concentrations of allergenic trees, primarily Oriental planes and poplars. Key locations for Oriental planes include the end of Barros Arana street, Los Aguilera, Parque Ecuador, Plaza Cruz, and Fernández Vial. Poplars are notably distributed in Barrio Norte, Lorenzo Arenas, and much of the urban periphery.

Both species often exceed 20 meters in height, which is linked to higher pollen production and frequent requests from residents for pruning or removal. While many residents request tree removal due to allergies, the municipality noted that most requests are actually related to safety risks posed by the trees' height. Consequently, the city has updated urban planning criteria to exclude these species from future plantings.

Forestry specialist Juan Pedro Elissetche from the University of Concepción noted that while these trees are significant, they are not the only source of seasonal allergies; weeds and grasses also contribute to respiratory symptoms. Medical professionals advise those experiencing congestion, itching, or eye irritation to seek consultation to identify specific allergens and determine appropriate treatment.