Last Updated on October 17, 2021
Are you looking to add some shade and beauty to your pool? Maybe you just want a few new trees in your backyard. Either way, several trees will work well for both purposes.
With so many plant choices out there, it can be hard to narrow down which ones are the best trees to plant around a pool. The type of trees you choose will depend on things like their color and how much maintenance they require. And while some flowering plants might look great in the beginning, others may have an adverse effect over time (like attracting bees).
So if you’re looking to plant new trees around your outdoor oasis but don’t know where to start, this guide should help.
Things To Consider When Choosing Which Trees To Plant Around Your Pool
At first glance, it can seem difficult to know where to start with planting your pool area. But there are a few varieties that will work well in pools because of their colors or other features. Here’s what you need to consider before picking out trees to put near your swimming pool.
Leaf drop
You don’t want to plan a tree around a pool that will shed a lot of leaves all year round. Removing debris out of your pool can be a grueling task if all you want to do is relax in your swimming pool.
Canopy
The canopy of your trees can significantly improve your swimming pool experience. It gives you the privacy and shade that turn into a necessity when lounging poolside – especially during those scorching summer days.
You’ll need to find the right balance between enough coverage from the sun in warm months, but not too much when things get chilly out so make sure to keep this detail in mind before you choose a tree to plant around your pool.
Root system
To prevent your pool from cracking or being displaced, you must make sure the tree of choice has a respectable root system. Trees that have roots that grow vertically downward should be the first ones you should consider.
Overall Look
When it comes to choosing trees, people often neglect the overall look of their home and yard. Unique varieties like palm trees are great for adding a pop of color or interest to your landscape design. But this can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t take into account how they will fit in with everything else on your property.
Choosing which type of tree is appropriate for what area really depends on aesthetics; make sure that all plants complement each other so that there’s an orderly balance throughout your outdoor space.
10 Best Trees To Plant Around A Pool
Ever wonder what kind of trees to plant around your pool? There are many different types, but these 10 trees can provide you with the best results for your needs. Each tree has its own benefits and will help create a beautiful landscape on your property.
1. Palm Trees
Palms are tropical trees that offer a picturesque resort-like feel. They have excellent narrow spreading habits and roots which grow straight down, helping to avoid drainage issues. Planting palms in clusters will provide attractive privacy barriers or can create an iconic look of the beach right in your backyard.
Palm trees can be found in many places but your palm decision is limited by where you live; if it’s cold outside then we recommend something more temperate like Sabal Palm which thrives in colder climates.
2. Redbud Trees
One of the earliest trees to flower during spring, this small tree is perfect for any garden. With beautiful pink and purplish flowers well before the swimming season arrives and, there are some varieties of this tree with burgundy leaves– this plant will put on a show early in your pool season and into it.
Redbud trees make a lovely addition to any garden, especially when they are planted in an open area. They also serve as great scenery for porches or small gardens with other plants nearby.
3. Fruitless Olive Trees
Mediterranean fruitless olive trees are the perfect addition to a home that is looking for both style and function. These slow-growing, willowy trees boast soft gray-green foliage with no chance of producing any olives because they’re not used as food sources but instead just serve their natural purpose in providing shade from hot sun rays or coastal storms. They will grow well in deep rich soil so make sure you have that in your yard.
This neat tree can be planted near pools and patios or as a front yard specimen. The drought-tolerant qualities of this species will help it thrive in dryer climates, but for their first year don’t forget to give them plenty of water!
4. Japanese Maples
Japanese maples are a favorite among landscapers because of their delicate shape and changing leaves. They respond well to sheltered planting spots but require plenty of water during hot weather as they’re deciduous trees that form narrow fibrous roots.
The Japanese maple is a slow-growing tree that can only grow to 30 feet high. With their delicate leaves and calming effect, they are perfect for Zen gardens or pools with a relaxing ambiance.
5. Citrus Trees
Citrus trees are an easy and attractive way to add color, personality, or produce to your garden. Living near a citrus tree can be advantageous as they allow you to grow fruit-producing plants in small spaces.
Citrus trees can be planted strategically to create a privacy barrier. The luscious canopy they offer is perfect for sun-drenched properties, and during the hot summer months their shade will come in handy.
Lime, tangerine, orange, lemon, and grapefruit are some of the best citrus trees to put around a pool.
6. Banana Trees
The green, leafy banana plant may be an herb in the botanical sense of the word, but it looks like a tree and is used as such. Originating from Southeast Asia where it’s spread by suckers and underground roots to form clumps that can grow up to 10 feet wide or more; its leaves are broad with large blades (5 to 9 feet) which give this fast-growing perennial tall variety a tropical look.
These plants thrive in the warm temperatures they are often accustomed to, so don’t try and grow them outside if you live somewhere where it gets really cold for long periods.
7. Evergreen Ash
Evergreen Ash is a picture of serenity and elegance. This large, fast-growing shade tree has thick trunks and a full canopy that can provide relief from the hot summer sun as you relax in your pool.
Many homeowners appreciate this tree for its classic green leaves with minimal pruning required to maintain it. It’s easy to grow so even novice gardeners will have no problem keeping up their yard during warm summer months.
8. Hinoki Cypress
Hinoki cypress trees are perfect for privacy screens because of their dense, lime-green foliage. These evergreens can grow up to 130 feet tall but there are also dwarf varieties that will add texture to your poolside garden without taking up too much space – and they require less maintenance since you don’t need a trellis system or anything like that.
They prefer acidic soil so make sure it doesn’t get alkaline if planting them in other types of soil.
9. Palo Verde
Palo Verde trees are a great addition to your swimming pool area. They resemble willows in terms of appearance and can be found in multiple varieties, such as Sonoran, Foothill, or Mexican Palo Verdes.
These trees require little maintenance when it comes to moisture levels and can preserve their beauty during dry periods.
10. Ginkgo Tree
The Ginkgo is one of the most recognizable and unique trees in North America. Its fan-like leaves turn a golden color during fall making it easy to spot this majestic tree from all angles, even when surrounded by other trees that are not as distinct or colorful. The male version has no fruit so you can enjoy admiring its beauty without having to worry about picking up smelly fruit when you get a female tree.
The best use for these trees would be to plant them prominently in your landscape so they can make their full impact. They can reach up to 80 to 100 feet in height and provide ample coverage that can serve as a privacy screen and shade when you’re in your swimming pool
Worst Trees To Plant Near Pool
As a pool owner, it’s important to know which trees are the worst to plant near your pool.
Acacia
Acacia is a versatile plant that can grow as either a tree or shrub and produces clusters of creamy-yellow flowers in late winter to summer, depending on your location. All species have sap and pods–when it’s time for them to release their flower clusters, you’ll be seeing tons of them in your pool or yard. Something you want to avoid, so if you want to get an acacia make sure it’s far away from your swimming pool as much as possible.
Crape Myrtle Tree
The crape myrtle tree has a rich and elegant look that is appropriate for any home, garden, or office. The flowers are white with reds and pinks mixed in during the summer months.
As beautiful as these trees can be, they can be a problem for pool owners since their flowers can easily fill your pool with brightly colored debris and is also a threat to clog your pool skimmer.
Bamboo
The bamboo plant is an exotic and tropical symbol, but if you choose the clumping variety it can grow quickly and spread profusely. If your backyard has a Japanese or Asian garden theme, then be sure to keep any plants from spreading near the pool because this will lead to leaf litter blowing into said water which may cause issues with debris in swimming pools.
Tips For Planting Trees
Here are some dos and don’ts you should be aware of before you buy and plant a tree.
- Trees, like most living things, grow over time. It’s important to get the right size tree when you plant it so that trimming is minimized in the future.
- Know what type of soil your tree needs to thrive in your yard.
- Mixing mulch with desert soil is an ineffective gardening technique. The hot, dry climate in the area can cause the mulch to burn and leave gaps around root systems at best.
- Trees have a difficult time thriving when they are planted too deeply. Make sure to leave the bell-shaped roots sticking out of the ground so it can grow strong in its new habitat.
- Backfill with anything other than the original soil from the planting hole.
- You should be watering them at the edge of their canopy, not in the middle. This will help them expand and keep a tree firmly rooted to avoid blowing over during harsh winds.
- Be sure to gently squeeze the soil around your plant roots during the first few days or weeks to ensure they are in good contact with the soil.