9 Recommended Trees for Landscaping Around Pools

Palm

In tropical or sub-tropical climates, palms (various genera) are appropriate choices because their roots tend to grow straight down and they have a narrow spreading habit. When planted in a group or cluster, they can make ideal privacy screens. Palms that look attractive near pools include:

• 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 Hardiness Zones: 7-11 (depends on species)
• Color Varieties: Medium-green foliage
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Conditions: Sandy loam

Citrus

Citrus trees (Citrus spp.) add a pop of color and personality to a pool or patio garden. These plants also allow urban farmers or those with small-space gardens to grow a fruit-producing tree. Some varieties of citrus trees are particularly suitable for growing in containers or small areas. An advantage to growing a poolside citrus tree in a container is that you can move it around for sun or shade.

Your best fruit tree options for home landscaping are lemon, orange, tangerine, lime, kumquat, and grapefruit.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (depending on type)
• Color Varieties: Green foliage
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Conditions: Prefers sandy loam but tolerates many soil conditions

Banana

Although it grows like a tree and is used as such in the landscape, bananas (Musa spp.) are actually herbs. Originally from southeast Asia, this fast-growing herbaceous perennial has soft, thick stems and spreads by suckers and underground roots to form clumps 6 to 10 feet wide or more. Its broad, large leaves (5 to 9 feet) give it a tropical look but can be easily torn by winds. For landscape use, choose a tall variety, such as 'Cuban Red', which can grow up to 25 feet. These are tropical plants, so they require a sheltered location to protect them from cooler temperatures and winds, which can cause the plants to die back. Don't try to grow them in temperate climates, unless you are growing smaller potted varieties that can be moved indoors to protect them from cold.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-10
• Color Varieties: Light to medium-green foliage
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Conditions: Rich, well-drained soil; prefers slightly acidic soil

Japanese Maple

Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are native to Japan and Korea and can be considered large shrubs or small trees. Most are slow growers, rarely reaching heights beyond 20 feet. These trees are much admired for their changing leaves and airy, delicate shape. Plant Japanese maple in a sheltered location, as they do not respond well to windy conditions. Hot environments will require plenty of water to keep the soil moist; don't allow Japanese maple to dry out.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Color Varieties: Light green, dark green, or burgundy foliage
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil

Hinoki Cypress

Also known as false cypress, hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is an evergreen conifer that can grow to 75 feet, although the cultivars used in landscaping typically range from 2 to 25 feet in height. Some cultivars have striking lime or gold-tipped foliage, such as 'Nana Lutea' and 'Crippsi'. Dwarf varieties are beautiful foundation plants for poolside rock gardens, adding density and texture without taking up lots of space. Like most conifers, hinoki cypress likes slightly acidic soil, which can be provided by an acid fertilizer (such as a formulation designed for azaleas).

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Color Varieties: Dark green evergreen foliage; some cultivars have lime or gold-colored foliage
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Conditions: Fertile, slightly acidic soil

Floss Silk

A native of Brazil and other South American countries, the floss silk (Ceiba speciosa) tree has been grown in California and the western United States since the early 20th century, starting in Santa Barbara. Easily identifiable by large spikes or studded thorns on its greenish trunk and branches, the floss silk is not a tree to plant right next to the pool. Still, it is a strikingly beautiful semi-deciduous tree that can reach a height of nearly 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide. In summer and fall, large, showy, light-pink to rose-hued flowers bloom and are followed in the spring by large capsules that split open to release strings of white floss. The silk-like floss is used to stuff pillows in the tree's native South American habitat.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-10
• Color Varieties: Dark green foliage; pink flowers in fall
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Conditions: Consistently moist, humusy soil

Fruitless Olive

Fruitless olive trees (Olea europea var.) are native to the Mediterranean and boast soft gray-green, willow-like foliage. Make sure to choose fruitless cultivars, such as 'Wilsonii' or 'Monher'. Olive trees are slow growers, usually reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet. Olive trees are best looking when planted in deep, rich soil. They will grow in coastal regions and also in areas with hot, dry summers. Because it lacks fruit, this is a very neat tree that works well around pools and patios. These trees have good drought-tolerance once they are well established, but in the first year, give them plenty of water.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Color Varieties: Gray-green foliage
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Conditions: Rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soil

Desert Ironwood

Also known as hop hornbeam, the desert ironwood (Olneya tesota) is a small, sun-loving tree with a slim trunk and sparse foliage. It grows to about 25 feet tall; the leaves are pale green, finely toothed, and have a tissue-paper-like texture. Its buds are small, brown, and pointed. This plant loves arid conditions, so make sure not to overwater it. It is best planted well away from other plants that require more water.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Color Varieties: Pale green foliage; pink or white flowers in spring
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Conditions: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil

Palo Verde

Palo verde trees include two species from the Parkinsonia genus—P. aculeata and P. florida. Both are drought tolerant, which makes them perfect for arid regions where many homeowners have backyard swimming pools. The trees are noted for their green bark and willow-tree-like branches and leaves, along with beautiful spring blossoms. Top varieties include 'Blue', 'Foothill', 'Sonoran', and 'Mexican'. Mature heights are 20 to 40 feet, depending on variety. Palo verde trees cannot abide too much moisture, so make sure to plant them in very well-drained soil.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Color Varieties: Pale green foliage, dense yellow blooms in spring
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Conditions: Sandy, well-drained soil