Avoid These Plants Around Your Swimming Pool

A swimming pool is a wonderful addition to any backyard, providing a refreshing oasis for relaxation and entertainment. When it comes to landscaping around your pool, choosing the right plants is crucial. Not all plants are pool-friendly, as some can create a host of issues, including excessive debris, invasive roots, and even potential hazards.

At Garden Lights Landscaping, we understand the importance of selecting the right plants to enhance your pool area. Here is a closer look at some of the worst plants to avoid planting around your swimming pool to help you create a beautiful and low-maintenance poolside landscape.

Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Deciduous trees and shrubs, known for shedding their leaves, can create a significant debris problem around your pool. Falling leaves, flowers, fruits, and twigs not only make pool maintenance more challenging but can also clog pool filters and create additional maintenance costs. Examples of deciduous trees to avoid include oak, maple, and birch. Instead, opt for evergreen varieties that maintain their foliage year-round and shed less debris, such as juniper, arborvitae, or cypress.

Trees and Plants with Invasive Roots

Certain trees and plants have aggressive and invasive root systems that can cause structural damage to your pool and surrounding hardscape. These roots can penetrate pool walls, disrupt underground pipes, and uplift concrete or paving stones, leading to costly repairs. Avoid planting trees with extensive root systems, such as willows, poplars, and ficus. Opt for non-invasive alternatives like Japanese maple, magnolia, or ornamental grasses, which provide beauty without the risk of root-related issues.

Plants with Thorns, Spines, or Allergenic Properties

Plants with thorns or spines can pose a safety hazard around the pool area, especially for barefoot swimmers or children playing nearby. Additionally, plants that produce allergenic pollen or sap can cause discomfort or allergic reactions for pool users. Examples to avoid include cacti, roses, and certain grasses. Choose thornless and non-allergenic options like butterfly bush, hydrangea, or daylilies for a safer and more enjoyable poolside environment.

Messy Fruit-Bearing Trees

While fruit trees may seem appealing, they can create a messy and potentially slippery pool environment. Fallen fruits can stain pool surfaces and attract bees, wasps, and other unwanted pests. Fruit-bearing trees, such as mulberry, cherry, and plum trees, are best planted away from the pool area. Instead, opt for ornamental trees like dogwood, redbud, or crepe myrtle, which offer beautiful blooms without the added maintenance and potential mess.

Aggressive Spreaders and Plants with Excessive Pollen

Aggressive spreaders, such as bamboo or mint, can quickly overtake the pool area, invading the pool deck or clogging pool filters. Similarly, plants that produce excessive pollen can create additional maintenance and allergy-related issues. Avoid planting bamboo, mint, goldenrod, or cypress spurge near your pool. Opt for low-spreading ground covers like vinca or creeping thyme and choose pollen-free or low-pollen plants like geraniums, begonias, or impatiens.

Experts in Swimming Pool Landscaping in Atlanta

Creating a beautiful poolside landscape requires careful consideration of the plants you choose to surround your swimming pool. By avoiding the worst plant choices, such as deciduous trees, invasive root systems, thorny plants, messy fruit-bearing trees, aggressive spreaders, and plants with excessive pollen, you can create a low-maintenance and enjoyable pool environment.

At Garden Lights Landscaping, we specialize in designing poolscapes that combine aesthetic appeal, functionality, and ease of maintenance. Contact us today to transform your pool area into a stunning and inviting outdoor oasis.