Humankind enjoys their privacy. When you look at our sociology, we have been building homes and fences to secure our boundaries. Despite this reason, there are other reasons to create private pools and generate innovative pool landscaping ideas.
Many people do not like to put themselves on display, each time they are done with their swim. Well, if you are among these people, this blog is a must-read for you.
We have helped many of our clients in improving the privacy of their outdoor living, without creating concrete walls around it. We have taken a different approach and come up with natural solutions for building pool privacy in your backyard with the help of some easily available plants and trees.
Plants in Canada for Creating Pool Privacy
Make your poolside ambiance a comfortable one by incorporating the following plants in your pool landscaping ideas.
Plants That You Should Pick.
- Hornbeams
- Oaks
- Yews
- Dogwoods
- Boxwoods
- Cedars
- Privet
- Sorbaria
- Ninebark
- Fastigiata
These plants are mostly not nut or non-fruit-bearing. You can also choose a dwarf version of these plants or make a plant dwarf on its own with artful pruning. Remember to place the plants in a suitable distance that allows them to grow healthy.
You can pick hydrangeas, boxwoods, shrubs, and euonymus to fill in as the shorter, softer grass. Hydrangeas grow quickly and so can fill the lands quickly and also adorn beautiful flowers. Also, these plants are easy to maintain and look lovely.
You can also pick unconventional hedges of grasses as some grasses grow up to 1 to 2 meters in height. But for houses with children, tall grasses aren’t really the right option. These grasses are pointy and can scratch the tender skin easily. If you still wish to have them in your backyard, you should avoid planting them around turns and walkways.
If you have chain link fencing around your backyard, then consider filling it up with non-fruiting perennials and vines. Such perennial vines include climbing hydrangeas, Dutchman’s pipe, and clematis.
These trees or shrub hedgings can allow you private grounds around a pool with not much maintenance.
Plants You Should Never Plant Around Your Poolside
There are many prominent trees and plants that have vigorous roots. They can grow quickly and strongly around the pool walls and can reach other pool utilities and in severe cases, the water. The following are the plants or trees you should avoid:
- Willow
- Popular
- Maples
- Birches
- Sumac
These trees are nut or fruit-bearing and so can make your pool experience messy while inviting many furry animals to your pool.
Other Important Points to Consider for Private Pool Landscaping
- Select evergreen plants: They will provide you with year-round interest, even when the pool is closed.
- Choose shrubs and trees with minimum litter: Falling or decaying organic materials will leave your hardscape features stained.
- Avoid having dark-colored pavements: Darker colours soak more heat and can damage the plants. Thus, try picking light-coloured pavements.
Tips to Plant Natural Privacy Screens Effectively
Plant a Mix of Trees
Avoid planting only one species of tree for privacy around the pool and instead opt for a mixture of plants. In the case of an outbreak of a single pest disease, it will protect your trees from a significant loss. In addition, it also enhances the biodiversity in your landscape. Consider this, especially if your pool is reasonably far from the trees.
Consider Cluster Planting
This method involves planting the best trees around your pool in Ontario in groups of threes, fives, or higher odd numbers to block prevailing winds and specific views. It also provides an attractive natural privacy screen without making your property look like a fort. Consider planting clusters a little bit away from your pool to pave the way for walkways or driveways. A strategic cluster planting is a highly effective pool landscaping idea in allowing good airflow while accommodating walkways.
Multiple Staggered Rows of Trees and Shrubs
If you like the fort wall effect, consider choosing this planting technique. Professional landscapers in Ontario commonly recommend this for homesteads in open areas to protect the pool area from prevailing winter winds and to reduce noise pollution. Multiple staggered rows are installed using two or three trees and shrubs. When planning the planting, the spacing should be based on the average diameter each plant will achieve at maturity. Each row is offset so that the plants fill the visible gap between each plant in the previous row. To gain more privacy around the pool quickly, you can consider a third row of similar size or shorter plants.
Tips to Get the Best Trees to Plant Around Your Pool
- Evaluate your site and your planting areas
- Consider space requirements for utility lines, driveways, and walkways
- Consider zoning requirements for the distance of the trees to roads
- Verify the soil type, drainage, and pH.
- Use two to three inches of organic mulch around your tree but away from the trunk.
Choosing Plants
To determine the best trees to plant around your pool in Ontario, answer the following questions:
- How much sunlight or shade will the plants receive?
- How tall should the screen be to create the privacy you want?
- Do you want a formal or relaxed design?
- What is the amount of area the plants will cover?
- How quickly do you want the screen to fill the gaps?
- Do you want a low-maintenance screen?
- Do you want an evergreen natural screen?
- FAQs on Swimming Pool Privacy
Optimal Planting Distances and Spacing Guidelines
Here are some optimal planting distances and spacing guidelines to consider for your backyard pool design:
- Maintain Distance from Pool: When planting trees and shrubs near the pool, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance to prevent issues like root intrusion, leaf litter, and shading. Aim for a distance of at least five to eight feet from the pool’s edge to minimize debris and avoid potential damage to the pool structure.
- Consider Sun Exposure: Evaluate the sunlight patterns in your backyard to determine the best placement for sun-loving and shade-tolerant plants. Position taller vegetation on the west or south side of the pool to provide afternoon shade, while low-growing plants can thrive in areas with direct sunlight.
- Account for Growth Spacing: Anticipate the growth potential of your chosen plants and provide adequate spacing to accommodate their mature size. Research the specific requirements of each species to ensure proper airflow, sunlight penetration, and overall health.
- Utilize Containers and Trellises: Incorporate decorative containers and trellises to add vertical interest and enhance privacy without sacrificing precious ground space. Climbing vines, such as jasmine or clematis, can be trained to grow along trellises, creating a lush green screen around the pool perimeter.
By following these backyard pool landscaping ideas and tips, you can create a tranquil retreat around your pool that offers seclusion and beauty throughout the year.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Poolside Plants
Maintaining a lush and vibrant poolside landscape requires regular attention and care, especially in a dynamic climate like Toronto’s. Here are some seasonal maintenance tips to keep your poolside plants looking their best year-round.
- Spring Cleaning: Start the season by clearing away debris, pruning overgrown branches, and tidying up the landscape beds. Remove any dead or damaged foliage to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation around the pool area.
- Mulching and Fertilizing: Apply organic mulch to the base of the plants to retain moisture, prevent weeds, and enrich the soil with nutrients. Consider using slow-release fertilizers tailored to the specific needs of your plants to promote vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.
- Watering Wisely: Adjust your watering schedule according to seasonal weather patterns, taking into account rainfall, temperature fluctuations, and plant requirements. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root development and helps plants withstand drought conditions during the hot summer months.
- Summer Shade Solutions: Provide additional shade for sensitive plants during the scorching summer heat by installing temporary shade sails, umbrellas, or fabric covers. This helps protect delicate foliage from sunburn and minimizes water loss through evaporation.
- Fall Pruning and Cleanup: Prepare your poolside plants for the winter months by pruning back spent flowers, cutting back overgrown foliage, and removing any fallen leaves or debris from the pool surface. Fall is also an ideal time to transplant or divide perennials for optimal growth in the coming seasons.
- Winter Protection: Shield tender plants from freezing temperatures and harsh winds by wrapping them in burlap, installing windbreaks, or relocating potted specimens to a sheltered area. Mulch the root zone to insulate the soil and minimize frost damage during winter dormancy.
FAQs
Q: What are some considerations when choosing trees to plant around a pool?
A: When selecting privacy trees around the pool, several factors should be considered. Firstly, assess the amount of sunlight the area receives to choose trees that thrive in those conditions. Secondly, consider the height of the trees to ensure they won’t obstruct views or interfere with pool structures. Opt for trees with low maintenance requirements to avoid excessive pruning or cleaning. Consulting with a local landscaping specialist can help you identify the best plants for a pool in Ontario that meet your specific sunlight, height, and maintenance preferences.
Q: Are there any specific recommendations for pool landscaping in Ontario to enhance privacy without compromising the overall aesthetic?
A: Yes, there are various pool landscaping ideas in Ontario that provide both privacy and aesthetic appeal. One popular option is to incorporate a combination of evergreen plants such as cedar, yew, or hornbeam, which offer year-round privacy while maintaining an attractive appearance. Another idea is to create a natural privacy screen using tall grasses, shrubs, or hedges strategically placed around the pool area. These elements can create a visually pleasing and private oasis without the need for concrete walls or fences.
Q: Are there any specific trees or plants that should be avoided around a pool in Ontario due to root growth or messiness?
A: Yes, certain trees and plants should be avoided around pools due to their vigorous root growth or messiness. Trees such as willow, poplar, maple, birches, and sumac should be avoided because their roots can quickly invade pool walls and utilities, causing damage. Additionally, fruit-bearing trees or plants can create a messy pool environment, attracting furry animals and requiring frequent cleaning. It is wise to consult with expert landscapers in Ontario to identify suitable privacy trees around the pool that have non-invasive roots and minimal litter.
Q: How can I effectively create natural pool privacy while maintaining good airflow and accommodating walkways?
A: To create natural privacy screens around your pool while maintaining good airflow and accommodating walkways, consider a strategic planting approach. One effective method is cluster planting, where trees or plants are grouped in threes, fives, or higher odd numbers. This technique helps block prevailing winds and specific views while allowing air circulation. Another option is to create multiple staggered rows of trees and shrubs, which can reduce noise pollution and protect against winter winds. By spacing the rows appropriately and considering the mature size of each plant, you can maintain your pool privacy without sacrificing airflow and accessibility.
Q: What is the recommended planting technique for reducing noise pollution around a pool area in Ontario?
A: For reducing noise pollution around a pool area in Ontario, one of the best planting techniques is multiple staggered rows of trees and shrubs. This method involves planting two or three rows of trees and shrubs, offsetting each row to fill the gaps between the plants in the previous row. The spacing between plants should consider their average diameter at maturity. This method acts as a barrier against noise and strong winds while creating an aesthetically pleasing pool environment. To achieve quicker privacy, a third row of similar-sized or shorter plants can be added. This is also one of the most unique pool landscaping ideas in Ontario.
Q: What are the best trees for pool privacy in Ontario’s climate?
A: The best trees for pool privacy in Ontario include Eastern White Cedar, Techny Arborvitae, and Serviceberry. These trees are hardy, low-maintenance, and provide year-round screening. Their dense foliage creates a natural green wall while withstanding Ontario’s seasonal climate. When selecting privacy trees around pools, choose species with non-invasive roots and minimal shedding to keep your pool clean and damage-free.
Q: What are some backyard pool and landscaping ideas for small spaces?
A: For smaller backyards in Ontario, backyard pool and landscaping ideas include using vertical landscaping like trellises with climbing vines, narrow evergreen trees, and multi-functional seating walls with built-in planters. Small plunge pools or geometric pools can be paired with minimalistic pool privacy landscaping ideas to maximize privacy and functionality without overwhelming the space. Choose best plants for around a pool in Ontario that thrive in partial shade and require less water.
Q: Which plants work best around a pool in Ontario without creating a mess?
A: The best plants for around a pool in Ontario are ornamental grasses (like Karl Foerster), boxwoods, hostas, and lavender. These options offer beauty, fragrance, and minimal litter, making maintenance easier. Avoid deciduous trees or fruit-bearing plants. When planning pool landscaping ideas, it’s essential to choose drought-tolerant and salt-resistant plants to handle splash and exposure to pool chemicals.
Q: What are low-maintenance pool landscaping ideas that still provide privacy?
A: Low-maintenance pool landscaping ideas that offer privacy include using native shrubs such as dogwood, juniper, and hydrangea, combined with hardy perennials like black-eyed Susans or daylilies. For structure, use best trees for around pools Ontario like pyramidal cedars or columnar oaks. These selections require minimal pruning and thrive in Ontario’s soil and weather, making them ideal for long-term privacy without frequent upkeep.
Q: Can landscaping be designed to provide seasonal colour and pool privacy together?
A: Yes, landscaping can blend pool privacy landscaping ideas with seasonal colour. Consider layering evergreens (for year-round screening) with deciduous shrubs and perennials like spirea, peonies, or burning bush that provide colour throughout spring, summer, and fall. Adding flowering ornamental trees like Japanese Lilac or Serviceberry offers height, shade, and seasonal blooms—ideal backyard pool and landscaping ideas for visual interest and privacy combined.
Private Pool Landscaping Ideas for Your Home!
Still confused about choosing the right plants or trees to develop innovative pool landscaping ideas for your home? Contact Luxury Pools! With more than 25 years of experience, our large and small backyard pool landscaping ideas and services are exceptional in Toronto. Call us at 416.504.5263 and ask for a free consultation!
Our service regions include Toronto, Markham, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Barrie, Brampton, Hamilton, Ottawa, Woodbridge, North York, and the surrounding GTA.
