Choosing trees for landscaping around a pool is tricky because there are so many ways the wrong tree can cause problems in the swimming pool area. For example, you want to make sure any tree you choose isn’t messy (won’t drop a lot of leaves, flowers, or berries), doesn’t grow exceptionally strong or deep roots, and won’t attract bees or flies.
You’ll also need to consider exactly what you want the tree to do. If all you really need is a little privacy from street traffic and windbreak, you’ll be fine with a hedge like boxwood. If you want to create shade from the mid-afternoon sun, you’ll need a taller tree like a maple.
Still, you want a tree that’s attractive and will enhance the look of your garden. If you can find something that provides dappled shade, has interesting leaves or bark, or puts on attractive fall color, that’s a big plus.
Trees for Swimming Pool Landscaping
Maples (Acer sp.)
There seem to endless varieties of maples, from the delicate but colorful Japanese maple to the stately Norway maple. If you’re not planning to plant it too close to the pool, the Norway maple is an excellent choice for a shade tree for around a pool because although it provides dense shade, yet the root system is relatively shallow and won’t crack your pool. Another option is the amur maple (Acer ginnala), which is small, easy to care for, nicely shaped, gives good fall color.
European white birch (Betula pendula)
This graceful tree with striking white bark provides light dappled shade that’s just right for relaxing in. The only drawbacks are that they’re fairly short-lived and prefer cooler climates. If you live in a warm area, try the river birch Betula nigra instead.
Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba)
A tough tree that can stand up to a little chorine now and then, like the birch, the maidenhair tree also provides a gentle, dappled shade. It grows in an attractive pyramid form and turns a bright gold in the autumn. All the leaves tend to fall within a one-week period, which makes for easy clean up and less chance of leaves getting in your pool. Because this is a rare tree, though, so choose only grafted male specimens.
Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)
No, this isn’t the same as the poisonous one! This harmless variety of sumac produces compact leaf growth that creates a deep, cool shade in summer and turns fiery orange and red in fall. Since it never grows more than 25 feet (usually only about 10 feet) it’s perfect for small backyards. It does tend to become invasive in warm climates, though, so make sure it’s not on your area’s banned plants list.
Of course, these are just a few of the good swimming pool landscaping trees out there. Visit any larger nursery or browse a nursery catalog and you’ll probably find half a dozen trees for landscaping around the pool area. The important thing is to make sure they won’t interfere with your ability to enjoy your pool by dropping debris, attracting bees, or any other of the potentially annoying things trees do.
