The London plane is the capital's most common street tree — and a genuine hayfever aggravator. In late spring it releases pollen plus fine hairs from its seed balls that irritate eyes, nose and airways, and those hairs can carry other pollen and pollution with them.
Because plane trees line so many roads, exposure is hard to avoid outdoors. The practical answer is to make your home — especially the bedroom — a low-pollen refuge.
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London plane pollen is generally heaviest from late April into June, overlapping birch (spring) and grass (early summer) — which is why so many Londoners feel hayfever runs for months.
Reducing your exposure
- Keep bedroom windows shut on dry, breezy days; check the Met Office pollen forecast.
- Run a purifier overnight to clear pollen that gets in on clothes and through gaps.
- Shower and change after being out among the trees.
Frequently asked questions
Are London plane trees bad for hayfever?
They can be — they shed pollen and irritant hairs in late spring across most London streets, making avoidance hard and indoor filtration the practical fix.
When do plane trees release pollen?
Mainly late April to June, overlapping birch and grass pollen seasons.