Planting screen trees around your pool is a useful way to get some privacy and weather protection. Trees are also more attractive than a fence.
If you want to create a natural screen, then you need to choose the right trees for the job. Before you do this, ask yourself the following questions.
1. Do You Want Year-Round Cover?
Some trees provide a permanent screen. For example, evergreens don't lose their foliage in winter. They give you coverage in every season. On the other hand, deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter. This affects their screening abilities.
You need to decide whether you need a screen all year round. If your main aim here is to build privacy that shields your garden and home from your neighbours all the time, then evergreens give you a permanent solution.
However, if you're more concerned about getting a windbreak and only want extra privacy during hot months when you'll be in and around your pool, then deciduous trees are an option. They'll screen the area when you'll use it most.
2. How Fast Will the Trees Grow?
Trees take time to establish themselves and grow. While you appreciate that this kind of screen isn't an overnight fix, you don't want to wait too long for your trees to grow to a decent screening height.
Check out growth rates. Ideally, you need screen trees that grow fast but that are also easy to prune. Avoid varieties that grow slowly or erratically. You don't want to have to wait years to get the privacy or windbreak you want right now.
3. How High Will the Trees Grow?
As well as speedy growth, you also need to choose screen trees that will achieve the height you want. There's no point sticking in a variety that falls way short of your privacy or weather protection needs. You won't get either of these benefits if the tree won't grow high enough to screen your pool.
On the other hand, dealing with a tree that will grow a lot higher than you need gives you extra work in the future. You'll need to prune it regularly to keep it under control.
If you aren't sure which screen tree to plant, ask a wholesale tree nursery for advice. They can recommend suitable varieties to give you the cover you need to build an effective and attractive screen around your pool.
Share27 January 2020
As the parent of five children, I've picked up some tips over the years when it comes to childproofing the garden and creating an outdoor space that's safe and can be enjoyed by everyone. I started focussing on safety in the garden after my first child had an accident that could have been prevented. Thankfully, they recovered pretty quickly, but I realised how easy it is for young children to get hurt when playing outdoors. I started this blog to share what I've learned as a parent, and topics I post about include creating safe swimming pools, identifying toxic garden plants, choosing child-safe gates and maintaining outdoor play equipment. I hope you find my blog interesting and useful.
