Relief from the sun, usually with trees, is an almost must-have when it comes to pool landscaping. The one tree trait you want to avoid, says Catriona Tudor Erler, author of Poolscaping, is a towering plant that sheds a lot. “Trees that are less likely to shed will make pool maintenance easier,” Tudor Erler says. If the tree does shed, place it so that branches won’t grow to hang over the pool’s edge.
Although pool landscaping should include some shade either nearby on the pool’s pad or at one end of the water, trees should have less-aggressive root systems, Tudor Erler says, to avoid uprooting any hardscaping.
Landscaping is about more than just planting a few flowers and bushes around your pool. It’s about planning and creating a pool environment that’s easy to get to — and hard to leave.
Design Pool Area Landscaping In 3D
Because pools — even if they are elevated slightly — are so strongly horizontal, it’s helpful to add a big raised bed next to the pool, Tudor Erler says. “The planting beds don’t have to be right up against the pool,” she says, since shedding blooms and foliage can add to pool maintenance. “A well-done pool landscaping will have all kinds of floral interest, drama, and height.”
Raised beds aren’t the only addition that can add vertical height to a swimming pool landscape; containers filled with dwarf trees or shrubs can provide height, too. “Another idea is to stack containers in diminishing height and fill with cascading plants,” Tudor Erler says.
Pool landscaping also should include structures such as pergolas and trellises. “They’ll provide shade and vertical interest,” Tudor Erler says. “If you’ve got a neighbor, a pergola along a fence gives you extra height and privacy.
Place containers planted with climbing vines at the base of a pergola. A good plant choice is wisteria, a deciduous, fragrant climber that blooms in white, blue, purple, lavender, or pink. The vines will soften the hardscape and lead the eye upward.
Green grass, lush foliage, trees, and seasonal color can liven up your outdoor retreat, as well as your curb appeal. Speak with your landscape provider about the right selections for your home, and how their designs can transform your home’s look and feel.
Proper Irrigation is a Key Element of Beautiful Landscapes
Maximize the efficiency of your irrigation system with a Landscape irrigation professional. Proper irrigation can help you to maintain a beautiful landscape while saving you money by reducing your water consumption. Regular inspections and maintenance of your irrigation will also help to ensure that you system continues to operate efficiently.
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