Christmas Trees For Allergies | Which to Choose & Steps To Take

Some people have got to be more cautious than others when it comes to picking out the right Christmas tree.  Others need to seek other options to manage Christmas Tree Allergies.  If you or a family member are one of these people, then this post is for you.

We go over not only which trees are better for some people,  but you will also learn what to do in your home to better ward of allergy issues.

You may need to experiment to see which option works best for you.  The goal, however, is to spend more time enjoying the Christmas holiday without the worry of allergies.

Find out how to best manage your home to alleviate problems with Christmas trees for allergies and sensitivities.

What is a Christmas Tree Allergy?

The allergy is often due to mold spores or pollen in the trees.  It also can be due to terpenes that give the tree their cozy scent.  If you experience the symptoms below, you may have an allergy to Christmas trees due to one of these things.  

However, even if one is not allergic to trees, sensitivities can still be displayed, especially if they are sensitive or react to mold spores or other distributors in the air.

Mold seems to be the large contributor to allergic symptoms.  Mold spores accumulate and spread the longer the tree is in the house.  Plan accordingly on how long you plan to have the tree up because it can help an allergy situation.

Mold seems to be the popular allergy trigger.  However, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a tree allergy is when allergic rhinitis is experienced due to being exposed to pollen from a tree.

The Asthma Center states that pollen and mold can both be triggers for "Christmas Tree Syndrome", which is what an allergy to a Christmas tree is sometimes referred to as.  There are steps to take that help with these allergic reactions, and they are stated later below.

Christmas Tree Allergy Symptoms and sensitivities

These symptoms are correlated to Christmas tree allergies when they are persistent and in accordance with introducing a tree into the home or when a person experiences these symptoms around trees.

Some reactions are allergic reactions while others are sensitivities.  Even if you are only sensitive to Christmas trees (whether real or artificial) it is important to take steps to keep your body at the healthiest state possible.

Either way, around the Christmas season, similar symptoms are had by many. 

Christmas Trees For Allergies Symptoms:

• Runny and itchy nose
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Coughing and sneezing fits
• Stuffy nose when by tree
• Possible dark eye circles (or worsening of after encountering tree)
• Irritated, red, rash, or bumpy (hive-like) skin
• Headache

This is a quick and general overall list of symptoms.  Removing yourself from the area of the tree to see if symptoms get better will allow you to know if the tree is causing the allergy symptoms.

Type of Trees To Buy For Allergies?

Fir Tree

This tree type tends to be more allergy-friendly than some tree species.  

Specifically, the Concolor Fir, is known for being a great fit for allergy sufferers.  This tree, however, is not abundant in the Northeast of the United States.

The needles are soft and are known to stay on well.  It gives off a citrusy scent.

The Concolor Fir is a safer option, but remember that terpenes are the chemical compound that gives trees their pleasant smell.  These trigger allergies as well and cause itchy eyes, nose, and throat.

Leyland Cypress

This tree is a hybrid, therefore it produces less pollen than other trees making it allergy-friendly in comparison.

These are also great when choosing Christmas trees for allergies because they have less of an odor.  This makes it a great choice for anyone sensitive to smells.

Minimalistic Light-Up Tree

A tree stand that branches out with lights is an excellent option for someone looking for a warm Christmas feel without the allergies a real tree brings.

This minimalistic Lit Tree is a wonderful way to bring in some holiday cheer and delight.  

To keep down the allergies, make sure you wipe the tree and lights down periodically.  

You are able to add decorations to the tree as well.  However, they should not be too heavy, and you may want to secure the base down some way to better stabilize the tree for ornaments.

Glass

There is also the option of glass Christmas trees for allergies.  Although this may sound like an unusual route to go, it is a practical option for someone that really wants to enjoy a tree but cannot deal with the consequences of a real tree.

Also, the maintenance is less for sure.  Again, make sure to appropriately wipe down the glass periodically and you will be good to go.

These are definitely not the practical route for people wanting the actual tree feel.  I want to at least provide a variety of ways for those that are extremely sensitive or cannot apply proper cautions to live Christmas trees.

This is a less expensive Glass option standing at 11.5 inches tall.

More expensive Glass option standing at 8 inches tall.

BEST TIPS for Live Christmas Trees

TIP #1  Shake Tree Off

Choose to have the tree put in the shaker if the place you are purchasing the tree from has one. Otherwise, shaking the tree out prior to bringing it in the house will get rid of bothersome loose debris that causes further irritation.

TIP #2   Wash down and Blow off the tree

Consider spraying off the trunk of the tree to remove debris from grass and other trees that may have attached itself to the tree trunk.  

Also, use a leaf blower to gently blow off additional debris if shaking the tree was not effective enough.

TIP #2   Leave tree outside for 1 day

If the tree is fresh, then leave it outside for a day prior to bringing it in.  This allows for critters nesting in the tree to leave.  It also allow for the tree to air out.

TIP #3   Spray tree with with neem Oil

Use a Neem oil solution to get rid of bugs that may be nesting in the tree.  Pests will be more bothersome to people with allergies.  Who wants any unwanted guests?!

Here is an organic neem oil to use.

Mix 2 tbs. neem oil with 1 gallon of water and spray on the Christmas tree prior to bringing it into the house.  Let it sit out a day before bringing it in.

TIP #4    Keep Tree Watered

Make sure the tree is watered regularly.  This will ensure that you have a healthier tree.  Loose needles and shedding will bring more bother to anyone with tree sensitivities and allergies.  

TIP #5    Run Air Purifier

This purifier here will ensure that the air is best purified for your needs.  It is specifically designed to trap and kill mold.  

Running an air purifier is a great way to keep the air clean.  However, it is a more expensive option.  If this is not possible, then make sure you read the next tip and take action.

TIP #6   Spray with mold solution 

Spraying a solution to help clean the air or burning candles that help with this is is a good option. You will not want to spray anything with essential oils if the person is sensitive to chemicals or smells.

Also, if you are not able to buy the above spray solution, check out the post link below to make your own non-toxic, mold-fighting candle.

You Might Like this post-  Air Purifying Candle DIY

TIP #7   Cut or Pick Fresh

It is important to buy a tree that is freshly cut or pick a tree that you know has just been cut. The health of the tree will better for allergy symptoms.

BEST TIPS for Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas tree are an option, but they do off gas a lot of chemical compounds.  The following are the steps to take when bringing out your artificial tree.

TIP #1   Wipe Down/ Dust Off

Thoroughly wipe down the artificial Christmas tree, especially if it was not bagged.  Dust is easily collected on the branches and should be wiped down with a safe solution such as vinegar and water.

This applies to any ornaments that will be used to decorated the tree as well.

TIP #2   Purify the Air

Again, purify the air around you.  Keeping the air clean is vital to helping allergies.  Also, many experience cold weather during the holiday season not allowing for as much air flow. Introducing a mold spore producing Christmas tree into an already stagnant air environment needs to be counterbalanced with a cleaner air solution.

TIP #3   Off-gas Prior

If your tree is new, make sure that you set it out in the sun to off-gas chemicals.  People with allergies and sensitivities are more likely to be bothered by these chemicals, although they are good for no one.

TIP #4   Store Correctly

Store you Christmas tree in a well-ventilated and dry area.  Many people store these things in closets, attics, or basements that are damp or moist.  This harbors mold and contaminates the tree further on top of the chemicals compounds that are already being off-gassed.  Being conscious of this will help you tremendously.

Christmas is such a blessed time of year.  Taking simple steps to alleviate as many problems with allergy symptoms as possible will make for a more enjoyable holiday season.

These are the best tree options and ways to manage your home and alleviate problems with Christmas trees for allergies and sensitivities.