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White Poplar Fluff

The flying fluff only lasts for a couple of weeks though, and although it might be a nuisance, it isn't hazardous to your health. Since poplar fluff production coincides with grass pollen season, however, those with allergies to the microscopic pollen will often mistakenly associate their reaction with the highly visible fluff.

Unfortunately for those that are annoyed by fluff blowing about, there is no effective remedy to prevent this natural phenomenon. The only long range solution is to plant only male or seed sterile varieties of hybrid poplars. The City has been replacing these trees, in its parks, with other varieties of trees since the mid-1980's. However, in natural areas, such as ravines and along the river valley, no removal program is planned.

For citizens wanting to reduce local fluff production, it is recommended that only male hybrid or sterile hybrid poplars, from reputable retail nurseries, be used for ornamental planting on private property. If citizens transplant poplars from rural or natural areas for use in residential areas, this may contribute to local fluff production as the trees mature.

If your area experiences high fluff production, you may wish to water down areas of deep accumulations of fluff. This will reduce further drifting in your yard and a possible fire hazard if you have a fire pit that you are planning to use.

Did you know?

Balsam poplar trees (Populus balsamifera), like aspen poplar trees (Populus tremuloides) a couple of weeks prior in the season, shed their seeds each summer. The female plants only, produce pods that split open and release minute seeds attached to long white hairs, or fluff. This fluff is dispersed by the wind and carries the seeds over large areas.

 

For more information:

River Valley, Forestry and Environmental Services

12304-107 Street
Edmonton AB
T5G 2S7

Please include the address of the tree in question and provide your name and phone number to speed up processing.

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Fax	780-496-4978
Email	citytrees@edmonton.ca