How to Landscape Your Pool Area
- 1). Make a design plan for the pool landscape. Create a scale drawing of the space, including fencing, the pool, underground pipes and any existing trees. Note the growing conditions of the site, such as the amount of sun it receives and drainage conditions.
- 2). Evaluate the site where you want to plant trees. A line of trees creates privacy, but make sure the tree roots will not interfere with any underground pipes or wires or potentially crack the pool's foundation. Find out how large the roots will be when the tree matures and plant the tree according to these measurements. Give multiple trees the space they need to mature.
- 3). Install hardscape around the pool and patio. Choose a hardscape surface that will not heat up under the sun or get slippery when wet, like concrete. Concrete, brick and pavers are a few examples of materials you can use for the patio. Hardscaping walkways and seating areas prevents people from tracking dirt and grass into the pool.
- 4). Plant ivy or flowering vines along a fence for a lush, textured backdrop.
- 5). Add fragrant shrubs like azaleas, sweet fern or carolina allspice in the patio area. Shrubs add depth and variation to a landscape and increase privacy while the trees and vines develop. Some shrubs, like butterfly bush, also attract butterflies.
- 6). Plant a flower bed of low-maintenance perennials. Hostas, coneflowers and Russian sage are a few examples of perennials that add color and life to a pool area without shedding plant debris throughout the growing season.
- 7). Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch or gravel around plants and trees. This will prevent weeds and help the soil retain moisture.
- 8). Remove any grass and weeds from any remaining open areas that you don't want to mow. Spread a 4-inch layer of pea gravel over the area for a soft, textured surface that won't hurt your feet. If you decide to add more plants next season, you can easily remove the gravel with a shovel.
