Evergreen or deciduous trees around pools?

Q: I want to plant trees for privacy around my pool. 

A: This is a common question that we field every other day. To answer this, we generally have to tackle another misconception first. Too often the customer is set on selecting an evergreen tree, mainly because it 'doesn't shed its leaves'.  Wrong.

All trees shed leaves. 

The difference between selecting evergreen over deciduous is that deciduous does it all in one season. In other words evergreen trees shed leaves too and across the year so the pool skimmer will be getting a work out throughout all seasons regardless of your selection.

And let's remember too that just because you can control the position and therefore the amount of leaf drop experienced at any one time of the year, doesn't mean that your neighbours do. Aided by the wind or even the subtlest of breezes, leaves will inevitably find their way into your backyard and into your pool. 

The point we are trying to make is that other factors are much more relevant in the right selection of trees. For instance, do your trees need to be wind tolerant, salt tolerant or even chlorine tolerant? Do they need to thrive in full sun, dappled shade or deep shade? Are you wanting trees for significant canopy cover in summer? What soil type do you have?

Our tip: Don't be scared to use deciduous trees in your poolside landscape. A splash of colour in summer or striking bare limbs in winter add a wonderful dimension to your entertaining space. The addition of a big tree with a broad canopy will provide much needed sun protection during the hotter summer months. 

Here are some deciduous selections to inspire you.

For tree selections to aid privacy around pools, please click here. 

For more information or to discuss your particular circumstances in more detail, please call us on 03 9796 8308 or contact us by email here.