Urban tree planning can reduce spring allergy impacts

Urban tree planning is identified as a key measure to reduce the impact of spring allergies. Cristian Atala, a biologist and academic at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV), suggests that selecting native tree species adapted to local conditions can help mitigate pollen concentrations in the air.

According to Atala, the high concentration of pollen in urban environments is often due to the massive use of species that rely on wind for pollination, such as poplars and oriental planes. These species release large quantities of pollen that remain suspended in the air, increasing symptoms for sensitive individuals. The issue is attributed more to the volume of pollen released by these specific species rather than the inherent allergenic properties of the pollen itself.