Now that swim season is at a close in Atlanta and the temperatures are finally dropping, I’m starting to think about fall planting. Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Swimming pools look so much better when surrounded by plants. They provide the needed aesthetic balance that is necessary around a swimming pool. When you are planting around a swimming pool there are things you need to take into consideration. We’ll discuss these things here:

Chemicals: Choose plants that can withstand getting splashed with pool water. As a general rule, plants with thick leaves are generally more resistant to chemicals. A few of them are broadleaf evergreens, ornamental grasses, canna lillies, begonia, camelia, gardenia, and ferns.

Debris: Choose plants that do not drop leaves or other unwanted debris. Choose evergreen over deciduous trees to keep from having to constantly clean debris from the swimming pool. Plus, even when your pool is not in use in the winter, it can still be an attractive part of your landscape. Evergreens are much more attractive in the winter than deciduous plants.

Roots: Avoid plants and trees with vigorous root systems, especially if you have a vinyl liner swimming pool.

Bee Magnets: Avoid plants that attract bees. You don’t want the kids, your guests, or yourself being stung. Some plants that attract bees are larkspur, delphinium, queen annes lace, cosmos, and salvia.

Maintenance: Choose low maintenance plants so that you can enjoy your poolscape instead of constantly pruning and fertilizing.

Choose Native Plants: Although you may be tempted to buy that banana tree or palm tree, you may want to steer clear. You want plants that are indigenous to your area so that they are accustomed to the climate.

It’s best to do your research before planting around a swimming pool. You want to create a relaxing outdoor oasis to be enjoyed year round. If you are not working with a landscape architect or landscape company, be sure to do thorough research when planning your poolside plantings.

Do you have any stories about planting around your Atlanta swimming pool? Or any other area for that matter? If so, we’d love to hear from you.