The DiversiTree Project

Tree pollen is the leading cause of seasonal allergies in the US, impacting over 30% of Americans. Turns out, male trees produce allergenic pollen, whereas female trees don't. They absorb it. However, a 1949 USDA recommendation advised cities to plant male-only trees to avoid the cleanup that comes from fruit-bearing female trees. This has led to a botanical imbalance, resulting in an increase in pollen-levels, and record-high cases of allergies. Our goal was to create allergy-fighting areas by planting and delivering female trees across America, raise awareness about this problem.