Minimizing allergies while gardening

If you love to garden but have allergies, certain types of trees, shrubs and grasses may bring misery.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation says try to avoid trees and plants that are wind-pollinated because they release billions of pollen grains every spring. Oak, cedar, maple and birch trees are wind-pollinated. On the other hand, many fruit trees, such as crabapple, cherry and pear, are pollinated by insects and do not release copious amount of pollen. As for shrubs and hedges, azalea and hibiscus are good choices, cypress and juniper are not.

While you may be the master of your garden domain, you can't control what's sprouting in your neighbors' yards. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation says when gardening, wear a face mask and cover as much skin as possible with a hat, glasses, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt.