7 Evergreen Trees For Pool Areas

Evergreen trees are an excellent choice for pool areas as they provide year-round privacy, shade, and a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor space.

When selecting evergreen trees for your pool area, consider the following factors: tree size, maintenance requirements, and root system, and suitability for your climate.

Here are some popular evergreen trees to consider for pool areas:

Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

These tall, slender trees create a natural privacy screen and are low maintenance. They grow well in zones 7-10.

• Growth rate: Moderate, 1-2 feet per year.
• Mature height and width: 40-60 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide.
• Soil and water requirements: Well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established.
• Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning to maintain shape.
• Hardiness zone: 7-10. Allergens/irritants: Moderate pollen allergen.
• Debris: Minimal needle drop.
• Salt tolerance: Moderate.
• Root system: Non-invasive.
• Wildlife habitat: Limited.

Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata)

This fast-growing evergreen tree is ideal for creating privacy screens or windbreaks. It can grow in zones 5-9 and requires minimal care.

• Growth rate: Fast, 3-5 feet per year.
• Mature height and width: 40-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide.
• Soil and water requirements: Adaptable to various soils; moderate water needs.
• Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning for shaping.
• Hardiness zone: 5-9. Allergens/irritants: Low.
• Debris: Minimal needle drop.
• Salt tolerance: Low to moderate.
• Root system: Non-invasive.
• Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter for birds and small mammals.

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

This large, broad-leafed evergreen tree is known for its beautiful flowers and is suitable for zones 7-9. Keep in mind that it may require some pruning to maintain its shape.

• Growth rate: Slow to moderate, 1-2 feet per year.
• Mature height and width: 60-80 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide.
• Soil and water requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil; moderate water needs.
• Maintenance: Moderate; regular pruning to maintain shape.
• Hardiness zone: 7-9. Allergens/irritants: Low.
• Debris: Significant leaf drop and flower litter.
• Salt tolerance: Moderate.
• Root system: Spreading and shallow; can be invasive if planted too close to structures.
• Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and insects.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

This hardy, low-maintenance evergreen tree can tolerate a variety of soil types and is suitable for zones 2-9. It provides excellent privacy and can be pruned to control its size.

• Growth rate: Moderate, 1-2 feet per year.
• Mature height and width: 30-60 feet tall and 8-20 feet wide.
• Soil and water requirements: Adaptable to various soils; drought-tolerant once established.
• Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning for shaping.
• Hardiness zone: 2-9.
• Allergens/irritants: Moderate to high pollen allergen.
• Debris: Minimal needle drop.
• Salt tolerance: Moderate.
• Root system: Non-invasive.
• Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and small mammals.

Holly (Ilex spp.)

There are many species of holly that are evergreen and suitable for pool areas. They range in size, shape, and hardiness, so choose the one that best fits your landscape and climate.

• Growth rate: Varies by species, generally slow to moderate.
• Mature height and width: Varies by species, 15-50 feet tall and 10-25 feet wide.
• Soil and water requirements: Adaptable to various soils; moderate water needs.
• Maintenance: Low to moderate; pruning for shaping and removal of lower branches.
• Hardiness zone: Varies by species, generally 5-9.
• Allergens/irritants: Low.
• Debris: Moderate; leaves and berries can create litter.
• Salt tolerance: Varies by species, generally moderate.
• Root system: Non-invasive.
• Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and small mammals.

Leyland Cypress (x Cuprocyparis leylandii)

A popular choice for privacy screens, this fast-growing evergreen tree can reach heights of 60 feet. It is low maintenance and suitable for zones 6-10.

• Growth rate: Fast, 3-4 feet per year.
• Mature height and width: 60-70 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide.
• Soil and water requirements: Adaptable to various soils; prefers well-drained soil and moderate water needs.
• Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning for shaping and maintaining density.
• Hardiness zone: 6-10.
• Allergens/irritants: Low.
• Debris: Minimal needle drop; small cones may create minor litter.
• Salt tolerance: Moderate.
• Root system: Non-invasive, but should be planted at a safe distance from structures and pool foundations to minimize potential issues.
• Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter for birds, but limited food sources for wildlife.

Bamboo (Bambusoideae)

While not technically a tree, bamboo is an evergreen grass that can create a lush, tropical atmosphere around your pool. Choose a clumping variety to prevent it from spreading too aggressively.

• Growth rate: Varies by species, generally fast-growing.
• Mature height and width: Varies by species, from 3-100 feet tall and 3-30 feet wide, depending on the species and growing conditions.
• Soil and water requirements: Adaptable to various soils; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil.
• Maintenance: Low to moderate; regular pruning to control size and shape, removal of dead culms, and containment of running varieties.
• Hardiness zone: Varies by species, generally 5-11.
• Allergens/irritants: Low.
• Debris: Moderate; leaves and occasional culm sheaths can create litter.
• Salt tolerance: Varies by species, generally low to moderate.
• Root system: Varies by species; clumping varieties are non-invasive, while running varieties can be invasive and may require containment measures.
• Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter for birds and small mammals; less attractive to insects and other wildlife due to its low nutritional value.

What is the best tree to plant around a pool?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for the best tree to plant around a pool, as the ideal choice depends on factors such as your climate, available space, and personal preferences.

However, some trees are better suited for pool areas due to their low maintenance, minimal debris, and non-invasive root systems.

One popular option is the Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) due to its tall, slender growth habit and low maintenance requirements. Other options include:

Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata): Fast-growing, low maintenance, and great for privacy screens.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Hardy, low maintenance, and suitable for a variety of soil types.

Holly (Ilex spp.): Many evergreen species with diverse sizes and shapes to choose from, offering privacy and wildlife habitat.

Palm trees (e.g., Areca Palm, Windmill Palm): For tropical pool settings, palms can provide a lush, exotic atmosphere with minimal debris and non-invasive roots.

When choosing the best tree for your pool area, consider factors like mature size, growth rate, maintenance requirements, debris production, root system, and climate suitability.