Urban Planning and Allergies

 Spring is just a few weeks away, and while most of us are excited about the warmer weather and longer days, it may also mean it’s time to stock up on allergy medicine. Allergies have become a major concern for many people in recent years. The number of people suffering from allergies is increasing at an alarming rate, and it has become a major public health issue. According to an article by Heartline, asthma increased by 28% within a ten-year span, and asthma in black children has doubled. While there are many factors that contribute to the rise in allergies, one of the most surprising causes is the decision made by urban planners to plant an abundance of male trees.

Yep, you read that right. In 1949 the USDA published a yearbook on urban tree planting and strongly recommended planting male trees over female trees in cities because they didn't produce fruit and would be more aesthetically appealing to the eye.  Unfortunately, they didn't realize the unintended consequences of their decision.

Male trees produce pollen, which is a major allergen for many people. The pollen from male trees is carried by the wind and can travel for miles, causing allergies in people who are sensitive to it. Female trees, on the other hand, produce fruits that are eaten by birds and other animals, which prevents the spread of pollen.

An increase in allergies caused by the abundance of male trees is not the only unintended consequence of this decision. Male trees also release more biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) than female trees. VOCs are a type of air pollution that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. This is because male trees produce more flowers than female trees, which release more VOCs, particularly if they are high-emission trees.

The decision to plant male trees has also had a negative impact on biodiversity. Female trees provide food for birds and other animals, which helps to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Without female trees, the number of birds and other animals in urban areas has decreased.

So, what can be done to address this problem? One solution is to plant more female trees in urban areas. This will help to reduce the amount of pollen in the air, while also providing food for birds and other animals. Another solution is to plant more diverse species of trees, including those that are less allergenic.

In conclusion, the decision made by urban planners over fifty years ago to plant an abundance of male trees has had unintended consequences that are still affecting us today. The increase in allergies, air pollution, and the decrease in biodiversity are just some of the negative impacts of this decision. It is important to consider the long-term consequences of our actions when making decisions that affect our environment and public health. It’s also important to be an engaged citizen so we can all better understand how the decisions of others can affect our everyday lives. Did you ever consider that there was any relationship at all between urban planning and allergies?