Pollen season and your windows

What pollen season looks like here

Oak pollen starts in February, pine follows, and grasses carry it into April. The yellow-green dust settles on every horizontal and vertical surface, and afternoon sun bakes it onto glass and frames. Rain doesn't wash it off; it turns it to streaks.

Why timing matters

A clean in February or March looks great for a week. A clean in late April or May resets the glass for the summer. If you only clean once a year, do it after pollen season. If twice, after pollen season and after summer storms.

Homes that get it worst

Anything under mature oaks: St. Lucie West, older Fort Pierce and Stuart neighborhoods, Palm City golf communities. Homes bordering the Savannas in Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie. Homes with lanai enclosures, which trap pollen against the glass.

Between cleans

A gentle fresh-water rinse knocks pollen off before it bakes. Don't wipe dry; it smears. Let it air dry.

Interior glass during pollen season

Pollen gets inside too, on shoes and through open doors, and settles on interior sills and the inside of sliders. It's lighter than the exterior coat but it's there. An inside-and-out clean after the season handles both sides in one visit, which is why late April and May are our busiest weeks of the year.