RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The first official day of spring arrives next Thursday (03/20/25), but some Rutherford Countians are already feeling the seasons change with the onset of allergies. Others, who have not yet been hit by the runny nose, itching eyes and occasional sneeze, should be bracing for impact. 

In Middle Tennessee, allergy season typically begins its slow and steady pace in late February and early March, signaling the arrival of tree pollen. The most common culprits during this time are tree species such as cedar, birch, and maple, which release their pollen into the air that can trigger many allergy sufferers. 

If your eyes are the only thing that bother you this time of year, try this… That was Dr. Craig McCabe, a local eye doctor with McCabe Vision Center in Murfreesboro (Hear our full interview HERE). 

For those with sinus problems during allergy season, Dr. McCabe suggested… We also asked the doctor if allergy pills could be combined with nasal sprays and eye drops, and he told us…

The five-day pollen calendar from Pollen.com shows that Rutherford County will see high pollen numbers on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday of this week, with the highest day for allergy problems expected to fall on Thursday (03/13/2025). Friday is marked as being a “medium to high” day for pollen problems in Rutherford County. 

As the season progresses, it doesn't necessarily mean your allergy symptoms are coming to an end. Instead, late spring and early summer often bring more problems, as the focus shifts to grass pollen. By May and June, grass pollen levels peak, continuing to cause discomfort for those who are sensitive. Symptoms can range from sneezing and nasal congestion to itchy eyes and fatigue.

If your problems increase between spring and summer and medications fail to help, the doctor mentioned that you still have one more option available before jumping ship and moving to another state... But who's to say you won't face more severe allergy issues with the trees or flowers native to another state?…

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology advises individuals with allergies to monitor local pollen counts and take action as needed. Local weather stations often provide current pollen forecasts, helping residents plan their activities accordingly.

As the seasons change in Rutherford County, staying informed about pollen levels and understanding how different types of pollen can affect health will empower residents to enjoy the outdoors with less discomfort. Whether it’s learning how to manage symptoms or knowing when to seek professional help, being proactive can make a significant difference for those affected by seasonal allergies.

The Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA was listed at number 32 on last year's list of cities with the biggest problems for allergy sufferers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Nashville  received a score of 78  out of a possible 100, with higher numbers indicating more severe allergy triggers. The number one allergy capital in the U.S. last year was Wichita, Kansas, which received a perfect score of 100, indicating that Wichita residents suffer from a greater allergy problem than those in other locations. Coming in at number two on the allergy list was the beachside community of Virginia Beach, Virginia. This ocean city, which has a population of 453,000 residents, tallied a total score of 87, or falling in at 13 points behind Wichita's top score.

• Hear our recent interview with Dr. McCabe and listen to his helpful advice on dealing with seasonal allergies locally. Click here to listen to the35-min. podcast.