The 9 Best Trees For Landscaping Around Pools

Here are 9 types of trees that work well for landscaping around a swimming pool.

Leaf drop: Make sure the tree you choose has minimal leaf drop and it is not messy. You will not want to clean seed pots, fruit, dead flowers, leaves, and other plant and tree debris from your pool filter. Root system: Does the tree have a shallow root system? Roots can get into plumbing and cause concrete to crack. Container vs. in-ground: Can the plant be grown in large containers, preferably on wheels (to follow or get away from the sun) and get out of the way when pool water is being splashed? Match your theme: Does the tree selected reflect the theme of your outdoor living space? Tropical, Japanese, Mediterranean, or desert oasis themes may naturally call for certain types of trees. View: At full maturity, will the tree block a view?

M Timothy O’Keefe / Getty Images

Sabal palm (Sabal palmetto)Queen’s palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)Sago palm (Cycus spp.)Cane palm (Dypsis lutescens)Windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis)

Once established, palm trees need water only twice a month, but water them several times a week while they are becoming established.

USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11 (depends on species)Color Varieties: Medium-green foliageSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Conditions: Sandy loam

Roetting / Pollex / LOOK-foto / Getty Images Your best fruit tree options for home landscaping are lemon, orange, tangerine, lime, kumquat, and grapefruit.

USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11 (depending on type)Color Varieties: Green foliageSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Conditions: Prefers sandy loam but tolerates many soil conditions

USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10Color Varieties: Light to medium-green foliageSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Conditions: Rich, well-drained soil; prefers slightly acidic soil

USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: Light green, dark green, or burgundy foliageSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil

USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Dark green evergreen foliage; some cultivars have lime or gold-colored foliageSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Conditions: Fertile, slightly acidic soil

USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10Color Varieties: Dark green foliage; pink flowers in fallSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Conditions: Consistently moist, humusy soil

USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 11Color Varieties: Gray-green foliageSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Conditions: Rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soil

USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11Color Varieties: Pale green foliage; pink or white flowers in springSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Conditions: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil

USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 11Color Varieties: Pale green foliage, dense yellow blooms in springSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Conditions: Sandy, well-drained soil