If you’re planning to plant some trees around your pool, it’s important to choose the right type of tree. While trees can provide shade and add to the overall aesthetic of your pool area, some trees are not well-suited for this purpose.
For instance, trees with invasive root systems can cause significant damage to your pool’s foundation and plumbing over time. Similarly, trees that produce a lot of debris, such as leaves, flowers, or fruit, can create a maintenance nightmare for pool owners.
Additionally, trees that attract bees, wasps, or other stinging insects can pose a safety risk for swimmers. Therefore, it’s important to research the trees you’re considering planting around your pool and choose ones that are appropriate for the environment.
Some good options include small evergreens, such as junipers or cypress, or deciduous trees with non-invasive root systems, like dogwoods or Japanese maples. By selecting the right trees for your pool area, you can create a beautiful and safe outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come.
Excess Pool Debris and Root Problems
Having nice shade trees around a swimming pool can make your landscape stand out, however you must choose your plants and trees carefully.
Excess pool debris from trees can include lots of ‘leaf litter’, excessive pollen, berries, or budding flowers. This buildup can cause extra work for you and your pool filter.
Additionally, trees with large root systems can damage pool walls, pool plumbing, and decks.
The Worst Trees For Pools
Some trees are constantly shedding buds, flowers, leaves and bark. With a little wind, this can fill your pool with debris.
Deciduous trees are not necessarily bad, but will give the backyard a bare appearance during winter. Small leaves from a willow or maple tree can be fairly manageable, but large leaves can clog skimmers and cleaners. 
Most trees grow root systems of about the same size as the tree branch systems. Some trees have very aggressive roots that can damage pool walls or vinyl liners when planted too close to in-ground pool. In some instances, the root system becomes so large it can break up concrete structures.
If this has happened to you find out about the best root killer for trees.
- Ash
- Cottonwood
- Elm
- Eucalyptus
- Mulberry
- Oak
- Pine
- Poplar
- Walnut Trees
The Best Trees
The best trees to plant around a pool include:
- Acacia
- Banana
- Citrus
- Evergreens (arbor vitae, cypress, spruce)
- Holly and Magnolia (also evergreen)
- Olive trees (non fruit bearing)
- Succulents (cactus, stonecrop, leatherpetal)
Wrapping Up
I don’t want to spend all my time outside cleaning my pool gutters and traps. I’d rather be lounging by the pool, drinking a cool beverage under a shade tree.
Debris from plants and trees is common, but can be minimized with the a little landscape planning and good placement around your pool. Ryno Lawn Care offers landscape design services and maintenance for your home or business. Call now or click here for a free consultation.