The North Texas pollen calendar
| Season | Main pollen |
|---|---|
| December – February | Mountain cedar (Ashe juniper), blown in from the Hill Country on north winds |
| February – May | Oak, elm, ash and pecan; oak peaks in spring |
| Late spring – summer | Grasses, including Bermuda; outdoor mold rises in humid weeks |
| August – November | Ragweed and cedar elm; ragweed ends with the first hard freeze, around late November on average |
The same study found daily pollen levels in North Texas have been rising over time, and are higher on hot, windy days.
What helps at home
- Filter. EPA recommends at least MERV 13 for central systems where the system can handle it. Check it monthly during peak months and change it when it looks gray.
- Returns. Leaky return ducts in the attic pull in unfiltered air. Sealing them sends more of your air through the filter.
- Doors and windows. Keep them closed on high-pollen, windy days, and take shoes off at the door.
- Humidity. Keep it around 35–50%. Higher humidity helps dust mites and mold.
- A clean system. Dust and debris on the blower and coil don’t belong in the air path.
What duct cleaning can and can’t do
Duct cleaning removes the dust and debris that’s in your system. It isn’t an allergy treatment, and EPA cautions against companies that promise health results. It makes sense when the system is visibly dirty, after a remodel, after water damage, or when there are signs of rodents. We show you photos before and after, so you can see what came out.
When to schedule service
Many homeowners book cleaning in the milder months, when the system runs less and it’s easier to work in the attic. If you want the house ready before a heavy season, book a few weeks before it starts. Our free reminders follow the North Texas calendar.
Questions
When is cedar fever season in Dallas?
Mountain cedar pollen in North Texas runs mainly from December through February, peaking in January.
When does ragweed season end in DFW?
Ragweed runs from about August into November and ends with the first hard freeze, which in DFW comes around late November on average.
Will duct cleaning help my allergies?
We don’t make health promises, and EPA cautions against companies that do. Duct cleaning removes the dust and debris in your system; a MERV 13 filter changed on time, sealed returns and steady humidity also help keep pollen out of circulation.
Sources: Crisp & Richards, “A 15-year survey of pollen aeroallergens in North Texas,” J Allergy Clin Immunol Global, 2025 · WFAA: DFW allergy forecast, ragweed and the first freeze · EPA: What is a MERV rating? · EPA: Guide to air cleaners in the home · EPA: Should you have the air ducts in your home cleaned? · AAAAI/ACAAI practice parameter: dust mite exposure control