Pollen Season Hits Deep East Texas, Bringing Mixed Emotions

Around this time every year, there's a bit of a change. No, I'm not talking about the temperature - even though that happens too. I'm talking about a more "visual change". Depending on how you look at it, it can be good or bad.

Technically, there are pros and cons to this. Do you have any idea what I'm referring to?

The Yellow Cloud of Pollen Has Made Its Return for the Year

When I climbed in my truck the other day, I looked up through the windshield and saw this:

Can you see the pollen? Even though this happens every year, it takes me by surprise every time. Maybe it's just because it's not a gradual thing. It seems to happen all at once, overnight.

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The Pros and Cons of the Pollen in Deep East Texas

Like I said before, there are pros and cons to this change every year. Let's start with the pros. In my opinion, the biggest pro is that this really signals the upcoming end to winter in Deep East Texas. Sure, there may be a stray frost here and there, and maybe even some Easter snow, but ultimately it shows that we're done with most of the cold for the year. The other thing is that it signals the upcoming garden explosion. We start seeing pollen about the same time that places like the SFA Gardens get ready to explode with new growth.

However, there are cons as well. The first con we've already discussed. Everything - Yes, EVERYTHING - gets a pretty hefty coat of yellow powder. And without rain or going multiple times to the carwash, it tends to stay for a while. The other con is mainly for people with allergies. This time of year, those people have to keep boxes upon boxes of tissues and allergy medicines are kept stocked by the pallet. I feel for you guys.

READ MORE: The Bees are Back at SFA Gardens!

In my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons. But keep in mind, I'm a warm-weather fan, and I look forward to winter ending. I could do without the yellow powder everywhere, though...