A more targeted response
This year, though, things feel a little different. Hu says, "It seems better this year. I can see workers out there every night doing the cleanup. It feels like the issue is being taken more seriously. I've seen it covered quite a bit in the news, and my phone even pushes pollen forecasts."
Behind this perception lies a quieter, more systematic response — one that brings together satellites, big data, environmentally friendly agents, and even robotics. Beijing's catkin-control strategy in 2026 marks a shift from labor-intensive spraying and cleaning to a more precise, technology-driven approach.
At its core are prediction and targeted intervention. Jiang Yingshu, director of the Science and Technology division of the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau, explains that the city has integrated meteorological big data with ground-based monitoring to build a real-time forecasting platform. It provides street-level risk alerts on a five-tier scale, transforming response from reactive cleanup to proactive control.
A key tool developed this year is an improved eco-friendly binding agent. A non-toxic polymer is sprayed onto tree canopies via high-pressure mist cannons or drones to form a thin "ecological film" that binds the fluff before it disperses. "A single application can reduce catkin release from an individual female tree by more than two-thirds, at a cost of roughly 10 yuan ($1.46) per tree," says Jiang.
If there is no heavy rain, one treatment can last the entire season. Large-scale spraying is carried out during calm periods, with fog-cannon ranges adjusted for different tree heights to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. The agent degrades naturally when it rains and in sunlight. Importantly, it does not affect tree growth or pollute the surrounding environment.
On the ground, new portable suction devices — developed by Lvyou Group — are being deployed to remove accumulated fluff. Unlike conventional vacuum cleaners, which blow the fluff around, these devices enable precise collection without disturbing other debris. Lightweight and easy to operate, they are particularly effective in residential areas and hard-to-clean corners, while also reducing fire hazards.
"Looking ahead, we plan to expand research into automated spraying robots and long-term biological suppression methods," says Jiang.
To manage the surge of visitors during the May Day holidays, Beijing's landscaping authorities have rolled out a targeted plan. In parks, scenic spots and transport hubs, crews will step up high-pressure water spraying, ground wetting and routine cleaning, with more frequent patrols on the ground.
Jiang also reminds residents to take basic precautions — wearing masks and protective eyewear, planning outdoor trips for early mornings, evenings or after rainfall when the fluff is lighter, and avoiding any open flames outdoors.
Technological interventions buy time — but do not solve the root problem. Beijing's approach now combines short-term control with longer-term adjustment. On the mitigation side, traditional measures — spraying, flushing, cleaning, and physical barriers — remain in place. Nighttime spraying, often observed by residents, helps both to knock down fluff and increase humidity, reducing the airborne spread of catkins.
On the structural side, the city has stopped planting female poplar and willow trees — the source of the fluff. Meanwhile, a quiet "tree replacement revolution" is underway. Researchers have collected nearly 400 low — or non-fluff germplasm resources and developed 16 improved varieties. Advances in tissue culture propagation now allow for the rapid scaling of new seedlings, with up to one million produced within two to three years.
Even so, change takes time. Wang suggests a gradual, targeted approach: replace problematic trees in residential areas, schools, and hospitals first; manage tree belts in parks to contain the spread; and leave trees in less populated areas as they are. "At its core, it is still an ecological question," he says."So it calls for ecological solutions."
Although the fluff itself is not always a strong allergen, it can carry dust, pollen and bacteria, triggering respiratory reactions. In March, the National Health Commission and the China Meteorological Administration jointly launched the country's first weekly pollen forecast.
Li Yi, a senior engineer at the Public Meteorological Service Center of China Meteorological Administration, explains that the system combines numerical weather prediction with expert calibration to help allergic people plan their activities.
But challenges remain. Current forecasts focus on total pollen concentration and cannot distinguish specific types, despite significant differences in allergenicity. Moreover, poplar and willow fluff is not yet included, as its dispersion depends not only on weather but also on tree distribution, surface conditions, and human activity — making modeling more complex.
"With denser monitoring networks and better data integration, more refined forecasts may become possible — distinguishing between pollen types. The aim is to move toward more personalized guidance, helping people decide when and where to go outside with fewer risks," says Fan Keqi, an engineer at the CMA Public Meteorological Service Center.
