It’s finally November, which means it’s almost Christmas! Managing allergies during the holiday season can be challenging, especially when you’re allergic to a staple like Christmas trees. Millions of people suffer with seasonal allergies, and Christmas trees will be everywhere over the next few months. Real Christmas trees are a beloved holiday tradition for many families. This season should be enjoyable for everyone, including allergy sufferers. As such, here’s where you can find the best Christmas tree for allergies, so that everyone can find their perfect tree and enjoy the holiday season.
![Looking up at an outdoor decorated Christmas tree. The tree has red and gold garlands and ornaments. Tied to the top of the tree are dozens of gold light strands coming down.](https://i0.wp.com/dealingwithdisability.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-elina-fairytale-3811051-1024x683.webp?resize=640%2C427)
Benefits of an Allergy-Friendly Christmas Tree
There are several advantages of opting for allergy-friendly Christmas trees. These benefits include a reduction in allergy symptoms, a healthier indoor environment, a more welcoming space, and peace of mind for those with allergies. The holidays can be stressful enough without being sick on top of them. This is especially true for people who are already dealing with chronic illness and disability.
Real (Live) vs. Fake (Artificial) Trees
Christmas tree allergies, also known as ‘Christmas tree syndrome’, refers to the variety of allergy symptoms that are triggered by sensitivities to various allergens that may enter your home via Christmas tree, including to tree needles, sap, and dust or mold.
People that are allergic to Christmas trees are often actually allergic to the mold and dust on them. According to the American Christmas Tree Association, a real tree may be stored in holding areas for weeks or months leading up to Christmas, where mold spores can form. When you bring the tree into your home, the mold spores travel through the air, triggering allergy and asthma symptoms.
Others are allergic to pollen or terpene, found in the sap of a traditional live Christmas tree. Trees may also be full of dust mites, insect droppings, weed pollen, or chemical sprays. Mold, dust, pollen, and sap in your home are all potential allergens. They can exacerbate allergy symptoms and hayfever-like symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes, and an itchy nose.
![a small figuring of a red car with a christmas pine tree tied to the top. The tree has fake snow on its needles, and red and green lights.](https://i0.wp.com/dealingwithdisability.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-kristina-paukshtite-3444345-683x1024.webp?resize=640%2C960)
Artificial Trees:
The best Christmas tree for allergies may be an artificial tree. Artificial Christmas trees are generally safer for those with severe allergies to mold and are less likely to trigger flare-ups. High-quality artificial trees don’t shed pollen or mold spores. They are also reusable year after year. However, artificial trees may still be problematic for those with extreme sensitivities to dust or mold. The trees can accumulate allergens while in storage. As such, you should still exercise caution when handling and storing fake Christmas trees. To minimize this, store the tree in a cool, dry place. Consider covering it with a dust- and allergen-proof bag when not in use.
Additionally, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology points out that many artificial trees are made of PVC. Some materials, like PVC, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxins into indoor air and irritate your lungs. As such, fake trees are not the answer for everyone.
Many new artificial trees are made of molded polyethylene instead of PVC, which have lower levels of off-gassing, and as such, are better for the environment. These trees look very realistic, but are often more expensive than PVC trees. Before setting up your artificial tree, give it a thorough cleaning to remove any accumulated dust and allergens from storage.
![a person's arm feeling the needles of of a pine tree at a farm. There are many more trees in the background. The person is wearing a brown corduroy jacket.](https://i0.wp.com/dealingwithdisability.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-any-lane-5727730-661x1024.webp?resize=640%2C991)
Live Trees:
There are many types of Christmas trees that may not trigger your allergies.
Pine Trees:
While true pine allergies are rare, they do exist. However, they likely aren’t causing your wintertime allergies. Pine pollen is only produced in the springtime. As such, it is likely long gone by Christmas time. For this reason, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology considers Christmas tree allergies and pine tree allergies to be separate conditions.
The Scotch Pine is a low-allergen variant, and according to the National Christmas Tree Association, it is the most popular Christmas tree. The Scotch Pine doesn’t shed as much as other pine trees, and is known for its long-lasting needles. The Eastern White Pine Tree is also known to be hypoallergenic.
Fir Trees:
The American Christmas Tree Association suggests the Fraser Fir as a hypoallergenic choice. It doesn’t shed its needles as much and has a mild fragrance, which may help those with allergies and sensitivities.
The Concolor Fir and Douglas Fir are also known for their needle retention, leading to less needles throughout the house.
Spruce Trees:
The Norway Spruce Tree is also a low-allergen variant. According to a research report by SUNY Upstate Medical University, the Norway Spruce has a lower mold count compared to many other types of trees.
Blue Spruce Trees are also considered hypoallergenic.
Cypress Trees:
The Leyland Cypress tree is a sterile hybrid tree, meaning that it does not produce any pollen, a major allergy trigger for many.
![In the background are blurred purple and green lights in a triangle shape, as if on a tree. In the foreground is a small snowman figurine. the snowman has a body with buttons and a head with eyes and a green carrot nose. It has small brown arms and a knit scarf and hat in a red, white, and green pattern. The hat has a small white pompom on top.](https://i0.wp.com/dealingwithdisability.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-brigitte-tohm-263875-683x1024.webp?resize=640%2C960)
Other Alternatives:
If both live and artificial trees trigger your allergies, you can always set up a tree outdoors that you can see through your living room window. There are now so many options for outdoor Christmas lights.
As another great option, you can always DIY a Christmas tree. If you are allergic to live trees and commercially made artificial trees, you may want to consider making your own. For a unique and allergy-friendly twist on the traditional Christmas tree, you can explore alternative materials. Wooden or felt Christmas trees are increasingly popular and come in various designs and sizes. These options not only eliminate the risk of tree-related allergies but also offer a creative and sustainable choice for holiday decor. When decorating your alternative tree, opt for hypoallergenic ornaments and non-toxic decor to ensure a safe and festive atmosphere.
There are also several options by artists on Etsy if you don’t want to make your own.
![a blurry pine tree with gold circles that are blurred decorative lights on the tree.](https://i0.wp.com/dealingwithdisability.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-vladislav-murashko-6117267-683x1024.webp?resize=640%2C960)
Preventing Allergic Reactions:
Allergy-prone individuals can take additional steps to reduce the risk of Christmas tree-related allergic reactions. For real trees, consider wearing gloves and long sleeves when handling the tree, as this minimizes direct contact with allergenic substances. After decorating, wash your hands and clothing thoroughly. If you have a history of allergies to Christmas trees, you might want to discuss allergen-specific immunotherapy with your healthcare provider, which could help reduce your sensitivity to tree pollen or mold.
Proper Tree Maintenance:
Maintaining your Christmas tree can also play a significant role in allergy prevention. For real trees, regularly change the water in the tree stand, as stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mold. Consider using an air purifier in the room where the tree is located to help filter out allergens. If you’re using an artificial or alternative tree, periodically clean and dust the tree and decorations to minimize allergen buildup over time.
Safe Disposal of Your Christmas Tree:
Once the holiday season is over, it’s important to dispose of your tree properly to ensure you don’t trigger any allergy flare-ups. Allowing the tree to dry out can release more mold spores and pollen into the air. As such, experts recommend that you don’t keep a live tree in your home for more than a week.
When you’re ready to take down your tree, carefully remove all lights and decorations. You can wear gloves, a face mask, and long sleeves to protect yourself and your sinuses. Then, cover the tree plastic wrap to contain any allergens before taking it outside to make sure needles, dust, mold, and pollen don’t get tracked throughout your home. While some stores or farms offer curbside pickup for trees after the holiday season, other cities may require you to drop them off to recycling centers yourself.
Holiday Decorations and Allergies:
Beyond the type of tree, the decorations you choose can also influence the allergen levels in your home during the holiday season. Dust and allergens can accumulate on stored decorations, so it’s essential to clean and dust them thoroughly before use. When choosing ornaments, opt for non-allergenic options like plastic, glass, or metal, and steer clear of decorations with feathers, faux snow, or other potential allergen sources. These simple steps can help you maintain an allergy-friendly holiday atmosphere while preserving the joy and spirit of the season.
Seeking Professional Help:
In cases of severe allergies or asthma, it’s essential to consult an allergist or immunologist who can provide personalized advice and treatment options. They may recommend allergen-specific testing, allergy shots, or medications to manage allergy symptoms during the holiday season.
![The background of the image is pine trees dusted with snow. In the foreground are Christmas trees that have already been chopped down and are lying down, so we see their stumps.](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.shortpixel.ai/stsp/to_webp,q_lossy,ret_img/https://i0.wp.com/dealingwithdisability.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-dominika-gregusova-849412-scaled.webp?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1)
Final Christmas Tree Tips:
The best Christmas tree for allergies may be different for everyone, so it’s best to try out different ideas and see what works for you.
Before Bringing a Tree Into Your Home:
- Major stores may have a limited selection of live trees. If you are looking for a tree that is less allergenic for you than a traditional pine tree, you may have to call around to local Christmas tree farms to find out what they have in stock. As such, it’s important to start your search early!
- If you go to a farm for your tree, wear long sleeves to protect your skin from irritants like pollen and mold.
- Hose the tree down and let it dry outside before bringing it into your home. This will remove some of the loose mold and pollen.
- Shake the tree outside, or use a leaf blower, to get rid of all the loose and dead needles before bringing it into your home, and wear a mask and gloves while setting it up.
Setting Up Your Holiday Decorations:
- Store artificial trees in cool, dry places throughout the year.
- Wash holiday fabrics and wipe down ornaments and lights with a damp cloth that will go on or around your tree.
- Remember that other holiday decorations stored all year can also harbor allergens, including wreaths, garlands, and ornaments.
- Consider decorating with allergy-friendly materials, like non-toxic candles and natural garlands. For example, popcorn garlands can be an easy allergy-friendly way of decorating your tree or mantle.
- Don’t keep live trees in your home for more than a week.
- Replace the water in the tree stand every day.
- Use an air purifier throughout the holiday season to keep the air in your home clean and free of dust and mold.
Do you have more tips for a safe and allergy-friendly holiday season? Let me know in the comments below!