Landscaping around a swimming pool

I live in OHIO, clay soil, zone 5. i want to landscape around my inground pool but i don't know what trees i can plant. I would like shade trees, but i only have about 8-10 feet of ground space. I can't have trees whose roots will grow into the sides of the pool. nor ones that will litter in the pool but i can't find this information anywhere. i have asked various garden centers here in town, but they contradict themselves. It is very sunny around the pool, no shade at all. I am also looking for a tropical look. thanks and God bless you

I work for a pool and spa service company so I asked around, but no one could think of a single tree to recommend other than palms - probably not a good choice for Ohio. Any tree or flowering shrub is going to get litter in the pool, but some are worse than others. Here in Austin, Crepe Myrtles, Live Oaks and Magnolias are a pool cleaner's nightmare. I suggest you consult with a landscaper in your area. Their advice is not usually free, but a good landscaper should know the best choices for trees around pools in your area.

AnnMarie

I would have thought of palms as well. Perhaps you could put in some potted ponds and bring them in for the winter
Sandy

I don't have trees in my pool area,,,,I have large containers, many herbs will tolerate the clorine that is in pool water. I find containers filled with different basils, thymes, corianders etc. Zinnias also love pool water and deal with the chemicals very well!!
Maybe try some castor beans or other grasses in containers too
Good Luck
Brassica

I landscaped around my sisters pool and the trees were a no no! Too many leaves and branches, what I did was made 4 different islands with mounds of dirt covered them with mulch and used zebra grass, lilies, hydrangea's and rudbeckia. I threw in hosta's in pots (to avoid the moles). It is very low maintance and 95% of it is in full sun. It really does look nice, and not much work! sue

hey ! all of you who replied to this -i really appreciate it. and i will take all of your advise!
thanks and God bless

Think BIG & BOLD for that tropical look. The brighter and bigger the better and don't worry about colors clashing. Another tip is to plant thickly for that lush overgrown look. A plant here and a plant there will not give the effect you are looking for. Plant big clumps of variegated cannas such a Tropicana and similar varieties for an almost instant tropical look. Don't forget Elephant Ears (alocasia & colocasia) for their enormous foliage. The big leaved common types often seen in the catalogs are fairly inexpensive. Try some of the newer cutting grown coleus in bright reds, pinks and yellows. If your area is hot and sunny, plant lantana and gazania in various colors for all summer bright blooms. Many catalogs now carry an increasing variety of gingers. They are as easy to grow as cannas and most have a fragrance that is truly intoxicating. Cannas, gingers and elephant ears can be dug and stored for the following year if you are so inclined. Plant one or two brugmansias for height, exotic bloom and nightime fragrance by the pool. You can plant these in large pots and sink the whole thing in the ground. In the fall, take them up and store them in a semi dormant state for next year. You might also plant some of the castor beans for bold foliage in shades of maroon and green. If started indoors early, these can become almost treelike by fall. If you have pets or children that tend to eat things they shouldn't, remove the blooms to prevent seed formation which are poisonous. One or two strategically placed palms purchsed for 10 or $12 from your local walmart or Home Depot will add the finishing touch. You can plant these right in the ground and grow them as annuals if you are not interested in bringing them in for the winter. If you have an arbor or fence, plant some passiflora (passionflower) and/or moonflower. Keep in mind that none of these plants are hardy and will have to be replanted each year. There are few perennials that are hardy in your area that will give a truly tropical look on their own although red hot poker (kniphofia) comes about as close as any I can think of and is a great addition to the tropical garden. Too many dasies, phlox, hollyhocks and the like and you'll wind up with a cottage look as opposed to a tropical one. One last thought, I do not recommend trees of any kind for planting around a pool unless you want to spend your time fishing debris out on an almost constant basis.

This message was edited Wednesday, Jun 27th 8:36 PM

Jerseyguy - thank you so much for your reply - i really appreciate your knowledge and the time you spent in answering my questions!
God bless you