Pools

Applying good pool landscaping and maintenance principles will keep your pool enjoyable and relatively hassle free.

First, the above pool landscape should take into account trees that shed their organic matter. A poor pool area landscaping choice, deciduous trees slough off leaves, twigs and other plant pieces in the fall as well as anytime the wind picks up. Eschew trees with large girths that will eventually hang their heavy branches over the pool. Choose smaller trees that are zone hardy. Warm climate dwellers may want to landscape with palms around pool areas as they leave little debris, grow shade-providing fronds and give the area a tropical flavor. Cooler climate inhabitants would best choose dwarf trees planted farther from the pool to minimize leaves in the pool. Flowering trees need to be down wind from the pool, but why not instead plant low growing shrubs like spreading junipers that shed very little?

Second, consider ground covering for your pool that minimizes the amount of dirt and sand drifting into the water. For areas that will not be used as walkways, Artemisia is a great species of ground cover as its silvery mounds are low maintenance and withstand sunlight. Low evergreen shrubs make great ground covering as well. Rocks and stones are an alternative to pool side softscape--flag stones are great path builders and boulders become fantastic points of interest around the pool.