Landscaping around a pool area demands plants that offer beauty, privacy, and resilience. Arborvitae, with its dense evergreen foliage and versatile form, is a popular choice for screening and windbreaks near water features. However, planting these conifers close to a swimming pool requires careful planning to balance their ornamental benefits with maintenance realities and safety considerations.
Why Arborvitae Are Appealing Poolside
Arborvitae varieties provide consistent green coverage throughout the year, which is invaluable for creating a secluded oasis. Their vertical growth habit draws the eye upward, making them ideal for obscuring fences or neighboring structures. Additionally, certain cultivars exhibit strong resistance to common pests and moderate weather fluctuations, making them a robust choice for the often humid microclimate surrounding a pool.
Spacing and Growth Expectations
One of the most critical errors in poolside landscaping is underestimating mature size. Even slender cultivars can spread wider than anticipated over time. Always consult the specific nursery tag for mature dimensions and plant accordingly to avoid future pruning battles. Proper initial spacing reduces the stress of constantly cutting back greenery to prevent damage to pool equipment or slipping hazards on wet surfaces.
Root System and Water Management
While arborvitae enjoy moist soil, their shallow root systems compete vigorously with turf for water. Near a pool, this can exacerbate erosion issues if not managed correctly. Installing a mulch bed or a root barrier can protect the tree’s integrity while also preserving the pool’s aesthetic. Ensuring the soil drains effectively prevents root rot, a common issue in areas with high water tables or frequent rainfall.
| Arborvitae Variety | Mature Height | Growth Rate | Pool Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Green | 12-14 ft | Slow | Excellent for narrow spaces |
| Green Giant | 50-60 ft | Fast | Requires significant distance from pool |
| Techny | 15-20 ft | Moderate | Durable wind resistance |
Chemical Interactions and Safety
The use of chlorine and other pool chemicals necessitates caution. While arborvitae are generally tolerant of urban environments, prolonged exposure to high chemical runoff can cause needle browning or tip burn. Positioning trees upwind of the pool skimmer intake can mitigate the direct flow of treated water toward their root zones, preserving their vibrant color.
Pruning Strategies for Poolside Privacy
Maintaining arborvitae near a pool is less about drastic shearing and more about strategic thinning. Annual pruning to remove dead or crossing branches encourages airflow and reduces the amount of organic debris that falls into the water. Avoid clipping the plant into rigid geometric shapes; naturalistic rounding maintains their health and visual appeal while accommodating the lines of the poolscape.
Design Alternatives and Companion Planting
For those concerned about size or debris, consider mixing arborvitae with lower-growing evergreen shrubs or ornamental grasses. This layered approach provides texture without overwhelming the pool deck. Ground covers like ivy or periwinkle can fill the space at the base, suppressing weeds and creating a seamless transition between the hardscape and the greenery.
