Here are some free tips to help you stay allergy free:

• Banish weeds from your lawn and garden like ragweed, dock, English plantain, lamb's quarter,etc.... This can greatly cut down on allergies.
• When doing yard work, wear appropriate clothing, a filter mask to cut down on what you are breathing in, long sleeve shirt, pants, and glasses to protect pollen from getting on your skin.
• Shower when you are finished to wash away residue.
• Pollen counts are highest in the early morning and at dusk.
• During blooming times, be extra cautious, make sure you know your lawn - what blooms and when.
• Rain washes pollen out of the air, so after a rain would be a great time to go outside and work or play.
• Plants with bright, pretty flowers rely on insects to transfer pollen, therefore produce less allergens. However, plants that rely on the wind to pollinate are naturally higher pollen producers.
• Keeping lawns mowed at the proper height also cuts down on the allergens in the air.

If you suffer from allergies, stay away from the following:

• Elm, Sycamore, Olive, Oak, Walnut, Maple, Birch, Ash, Willow and Pecan trees.
• Cypress and Privet hedges.
• Bermuda grass Bluegrass Artemisia Amaranth Sorrel

For more information on Allergies, check out The Missouri University Extention website.