During the last three decades, the climate has notably changed from warm-dry to warm-wet in most parts of Xinjiang. The climate scenario currently foreseen predicts a warmer and wetter climate across northwest China leading up to the year 2050. This predicted future increase in temperature and precipitation will probably affect both the flowering of plants and airborne pollen dispersal. In this study, airborne Picea schrenkiana (spruce) pollen grains were collected at the Tianchi Meteorological Station at 1980 m above sea level on the northern slope of the eastern Tianshan Mountains from July 2001 to July 2006. Our data show spruce pollen grains exist in the lower atmosphere year-round, with an annual average of 42.66 grains/m³, ranging from 2.13 to 99.54 grains/m³ in 2003 and 2005, respectively. More than 90% of the spruce pollen grains were collected in May and June. The pollen concentration decreased gradually thereafter, reaching its lowest level in January, and then increased slowly starting in February. The increase in spruce pollen was probably related to the prevalence of windy weather in spring. Our observations also indicated spruce pollen concentration in the lower atmosphere reached its peak season from May 22 to June 2. The daily maximum occurred from May 28 to June 6 and ended on June 18-25 with an average duration of 27 days. During this five-year study, the pollen peak season started earlier and ended later each year. For example, it was 6 days earlier in 2006 than in 2002, with a daily maximum occurring 9 days earlier. In contrast, the pollen peak season ended 6 days later, ultimately lasting 12 days longer in 2006. A positive correlation between spruce pollen season and both temperature and wind speed was observed; the trend of spruce pollen season had a significant correlation with the changes in spring temperatures. The results show the maximum temperatures in April and May are the major parameters influencing the onset and duration of the spruce pollen season in the Tianshan Mountain area. Based on our observations, annual deposition of spruce pollen grains is around 61 kg/ha in the forest. As such, this study provided insight into the seasonal variations in the pollen concentration of Picea schrenkiana in the lower atmosphere. The observed shifts in the pollen seasons provide useful information for people concerned with pollen allergies. In particular, data collected in this study can be used in the future to establish a better predictive model for this tree's influence on the pollen and allergy season.