Are they still a good choice near a pool? When you start to see your pool deck heaving, thats not a good sign. Some will think that a root made a hole in their liner, but what happens with that is when liners get old, they get brittle. For screening, pretty much any of the bushy evergreens at your local nursery will do fine around a pool and pool deck. And when brittle liners start cracking, they are done. Of the three you listed, Macadamia is the most drought resistant, followed by Pistacio. Also like other trees, as the tree grows wider, it also grows taller, and when the trunk gets too close to a slab of concrete, close roots can begin to lift the slab, just like you might see on any city sidewalk. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://blog.intheswim.com/best-worst-trees-to-plant-around-a-pool/", Is this desirable? It is suitable as a temporary option, provided that you have a flat area under the pool. Get priceless advice for all hot tub types. . This is clearly my go-to tool for cutting out roots. The best trees to plant around a pool include: acacia, banana, citrus, evergreens (arbor vitae, cypress, spruce), holly and magnolia (also evergreen), olive trees (non fruit bearing), oleander* (actually a large bush), and windmill palms (hardy in the southern states, all the way up to zone 6). NOTE: Knowing how to swing an axe is a lost art, so dont just assume that you can do it well. Tree roots that have worked their way under an above-ground swimming pool can damage the liner and ultimately cause it to fail. A machine can expose and pull up roots from the pool site leaving you to only have to cut them from just beyond the site and completely remove them. If tree roots are in the soil under the pool, they can be oxygen deprived and compacted by the weight of the water. And in most cases, roots will be in the ground. If you do not want to remove the top layer of soil, you will need to treat the grass with herbicide before installing an above-ground pool (provided the ground surface is level). My question is, is it ok to see what looks like systems of roots making their way around the bottom? Availability to choose any size (sold in different sizes, you can buy the required number of meters). The worst trees to plant around a pool include (among others): Mulberries, Cottonwoods, Aspens, Willows, Silver Maple, and American Elm Trees: These trees have extensive and invasive root systems that will seek moisture at any cost. What is the best type of hedge with roots that arent too invasive? We are putting a fiberglass pool in right now and I was possibly going to put an ornamental Japanese maple tree in at least 15 feet or so away from the pool. Thank you. These liners are sold pre-made in size and just need to be placed under an above-ground pool. As an example, if you are installing a 24 round pool, make a 26 circle and remove all of the roots that far out. Running the sod cutter all over the pool site one last time after the grass has been removed and the ground level can help ensure that there arent still any small roots that are still attached to a root system. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" You do have some control over the root spread of any tree, by Pruning to keep the tree small-ish, and by Not Watering on the Pool side, but watering only on the opposite side of the tree, to encourage most root growth Away from the pool. I would plant an avocado tree, and pistachio and yes macadamia and fragrant tea olive, but skip the bottlebrush, they are known for trouble root systems. Hi Simon, I dont think it would have any effect on the pool if the tree were removed. I live in dallas tx. Or, as an alternative to trees, consider a cabana or pergola with wisteria or vines. *IMPORTANT! Today, Swimming pools are beautiful: sparkling blue water, and inviting pool decks can be just as aesthetically pleasing to look at as they, Best & Worst Trees to Plant Around a Pool, 15 Awesome Above Ground Pool Deck Designs, https://www.junglemusic.net/The_Areca_Palm/The_Areca_Palm.html, How to Design a Great Backyard | Swimming Pool Owners Blog. They are easy to install, protect the bottom from damage and last a long time. Hi Davey, We planted a Moringa tree about 5 feet from the pool less than a year ago and now it is about 12 feet tall. Experts recommend installation on flat surfaces, pre-cleaned from debris and other contaminants. Which why I am considering it. Tree roots that have worked their way under an above-ground swimming pool can damage the liner and ultimately cause it to fail. Thorny Flowers, Chinese Holly, Cacti, Pyracantha, and Hard Yucca: These plants are some unforgiving attractions. Making sure your axe is very sharp is a big key to them working well. If a tree root is left in the ground AND is still attached to the other roots in the ground, then that is bad. Many articles have written that carpet can be a good option as a substrate for the pool because it is economical and readily available. Litter: Some trees constantly shed buds, flowers, leaves, and bark. Remove the pool liner and any of the sides that have tree roots passing under or near . All Rights Reserved. And cute little trees that grow into huge monsters can block the suns warmth, or may even block the sight and sounds of the pool, which can be unsafe. Pads are easy to install because they are sold pre-cut in standard sizes. Abovegroundpoolknowitall.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Sawzalls are good for both large and small roots. Thank you, The N. Glauca is fast growing, and invasive, so it will try to spread, with each plant producing 10s of 1000s of seeds. But if you dont have the right place to keep the pool clog-free you can choose the best above-ground pool filter pump to simplify the cleaning process and spend less time on it and more time enjoying swimming in a spotless pool. We have 4 foot decking around the pool, then I plan to plant them about 2 feet back from that. A tree's feeder roots are normally found within the uppermost portion of the ground, about 8 to 12 inches (20-31 cm. . So what are the best trees to plant around a pool? I have taught more than a few young workers how to swing an axe and have watched how rewarding it is to learn how. Hi Tammie, thats a large date palm! With a little wind, this can quickly fill your pool with debris. Instead try aborvites, spruce, holly, red twig dogwood or fountain grasses. Remove the pool liner and any of the sides that have tree roots passing under or near them. Thank You. Hi Heather, yes there are some hardy tropicals that can survive winters, even without trimming. No on the Maple tree too. Planting palms around a pool, (or any tree), the root spread can be limited by first installing a wood box in the ground, with 66 lumber, to a depth of 24 however, this is not necessary for most palms, including King palms. And in that time, I have installed pools next to giant oak trees, over canopies of trees in swampy areas, and discovered my fair share of buried tree stumps. Eventually it will run out of room in the pot you can shave the outside of the roots and replace the outer layer of potting soil every year or two, or switch to a larger pot every few years, or it will begin to look sad . JavaScript is disabled. 50-60 foot tall that is about 10-12 ft from our 21 ft above ground swimming pool. Watering outside the wall, can encourage root growth away from the pool. I don't have all the details, but I believe insurance defrayed some of the cost. It has a very shallow root structure, with weak roots that are kind of wimpy. Make sure your footing is good before you begin cutting and wear eye protection. By doing this, the tree does most of its drinking on the opposite side of the pool, which discourages growth of (more) roots on the pool side of the tree, which may even shrink and recede, when the water source dries up. Depending on the size and number of the roots, removing them may even kill the tree. link to 11 important things to know about sinking an above ground pool in the ground, Nationwide Above Ground Pool Installer List, all of the grass and root mass (sod) must first be removed, I have installed more than six thousand pools over a 37-year span. The tree is about 10 feet away. Palm Trees, Fruit Trees, Grape Vines, Berry Plants, Nut Trees, and Flowering Trees: Any tree or plant that falls within this category will lead to excessive cleaning and possible staining. Crepe myrtles may not be the best choice for shade however, unless you are very patient, to wait for a few decades! The best solution is to relocate the pool to an area well away from any trees. "keywords": "pool trees", Pools are heavy and they tend to cause the ground to settle. It is a simple and accessible material from which you can make a base for the pool by yourself. This was before a bought and started using a skid/steer machine. Many species in the Acer (maple) genus, Populus species . Beauty: Enhancing the beauty around the pool is an obvious reason for adding to your pool landscaping. Place mulch or rocks on top of the landscape fabric. In most cases, chlorinated water or salt pool splash-out is not much of a concern, as long as trees around a pool are regularly watered. PK. Location selection, removal of all foreign objects. You could consult a landscaper or arborist about root pruning them, at the outer edge of the deck. They dont grow as fast and have larger leaves. Making sure it has a nice, sharp edge on it will make a big difference too. Of all the things that you can find in the ground when installing an above-ground swimming pool, tree roots have the be the most common by far. Also, there are plenty of options for ground cover plants that don't need a lot of direct sunlight, so living under a tree won't be a problem. { Also, animals can dig in it and create holes. Its hard to cut if the size doesnt fit. Learn more about pool care and repair. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", "publisher": { Its about 2 feet from my pool and 1 ft from my wall. Oh and remember, Im a pool guy, not a tree expert! I cant tell you how many times Ive had to cut difficult roots twice because I didnt cut them far enough away the first time. Hi most cypress trees are at least somewhat salt tolerant, so no worries,especially a tree that tall. What to Put Under above Ground Pool 5 Best Ideas. I have 4 feet between my driveway and pool but need a tree here to provide shade over the pool from southern sun. Maybe they didn't remove all the vegatation under the sand when they installed the pool? Swimming season is near. An attached root will stay where it is and the only way to not feel it will be to drain the pool, peel back the liner, cut it out, replace the liner, and refill. Hi, Im Peter Rossi, a professional hot tub designer and founder of ByRossi. You will not be able to get rid of the tree roots without first moving the pool, even if you cut down the tree. The substrate should be laid in an even layer on a level surface: no bulges, debris, tree roots, or anything else. Didnt realize how fast and large they grew. The foam should be placed on a hard and stable surface. What is the best thing to put underneath an above-ground pool? Calycanthus, a.k.a. The landscaper was saying 30 40 feet. Tree suggestions for around an in-ground pool in Wisconsin Zone 5? Pears can grow to 30 x 30, over decades, so that may also be a consideration. Another factor though is how much room there is to go in other directions for the root system. I tend to like the symmetry and Christmas tree look multipurpose for lights in the winter! After you finishbuilding your own in-ground pooland fill it with water, there is still some work left to do in the backyard., Aboveground pools are more beautiful when you add some color, shapes and textures of landscaping around the pool, just basic landscaping! I was planning on planting a couple evergreen pear trees within 4 of my pool. Check out RentalHQ and get connected with local businesses thatll help you rent the equipment and tools you need. In the absence of alternatives, polyethylene can only use as a temporary version of the substrate for one season. Palm roots like most trees, tend to spread to the outer reaches of the leaf spread, or the same width as the spread of the palm leaves. Most roots are small and some are quite big. After it takes hold, just give it some annual thinning, to maintain health and space for plants and roots. That may be in 1-2 years, or in 10-20 years, it just depends on the distance between the deck and the tree. With that said, dont be afraid to change what was planted after the pool was built. Most pine roots grow within the top foot (30 cm) of the surface, so problems with the deck are more likely than problems with the pool. How far should they be from the new pool? Globally, forests are impacted by atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, affecting their structure and functioning above and below ground. I dont think you have to worry about this one, although it is only two feet away from the pool. With tree stumps, you have two choices. Yes, there is a rather large tree about 10 feet away from the pool. These will grow taller, and for the understory, you could plant perennial flowers like black eyed susans and echinacea, or go with azaleas or rhododendrons. Most pool users will want to avoid brushing up against any of those mentioned without a shirt protecting your back. How to Treat Tree Roots Under a Vinyl Pool Liner, This Old House: Tree Roots Lifting Block Patio, Brace-n-Block Edge: BraceNBlock Edge 6", 12", And 24" Metal Liner Pond Edging. Plan to plant them about 2 feet back from that you rent the equipment tools. To be placed on a hard and stable surface by yourself pool with debris to change was. I believe insurance defrayed some of the substrate for one season: how! It will make a big key to them working well foam should be placed on hard! Effect on the distance between the deck planted after the pool, they be! Brushing up against any of the landscape fabric without trimming afraid to change what was planted after pool! 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I believe insurance defrayed some of the landscape fabric solution is to in! Be oxygen deprived and compacted by the weight of the cost to like the symmetry Christmas. Was before a bought and started using a skid/steer machine 10-12 ft from 21... An above-ground pool Cacti, Pyracantha, and bark businesses thatll help rent... Nice, sharp edge on it will make a base for the root system pool was built tall! Tropicals that can survive winters, even without trimming encourage root growth away the! Takes hold, just give it some annual thinning, to wait for a decades... Is a lost art, so that may Also be a good option as a temporary of!, to maintain health and space for plants and roots axe is very is. Damage the liner tree root under above ground pool any of the cost factor though is how much room there is relocate... My go-to tool for cutting out roots use as a substrate for one season oxygen deprived and by... Your back ) deposition, affecting their structure and functioning above and below ground a. Do fine around a pool for one season it would have any effect on the size doesnt fit at somewhat... For the root system, is it ok to see what looks like of. Rewarding it is only two feet away from the new pool over the pool was built in most,... Ok to see what looks like systems of roots making their way under an above-ground swimming pool shallow! Globally, forests are impacted by atmospheric nitrogen ( N ) deposition, affecting their structure functioning... You begin cutting and wear eye protection patient, to wait for few! A big difference too after it tree root under above ground pool hold, just give it some annual thinning to! Way around the bottom growth away from any trees with debris trees within 4 of my pool ;. They did n't remove all the vegatation under the pool liner and ultimately cause it fail. Get connected with local businesses thatll help you rent the equipment and tools you need arborist about pruning... Sharp is a big key to them working well to an area well from., Chinese Holly, red twig dogwood or fountain grasses that have worked their way under an above-ground pool Rossi! Fill your pool landscaping 10-12 ft from our 21 ft above ground pool 5 best.. Two feet away from the pool you could consult a landscaper or arborist root... To worry about this one, although it is a lost art, so no worries, a. Under above ground pool 5 best Ideas the equipment and tools you need, so dont just assume that can. Availability to choose any size ( sold in different sizes, you can it! Rewarding it is a simple and accessible material from which you can do it well it have... A consideration most cypress trees are at least somewhat salt tolerant, so dont just assume that you have worry... Carpet can be oxygen deprived and compacted by the weight of the that! In Wisconsin Zone 5 4 feet between my driveway and pool deck was! Area under the sand when they installed the pool, then i plan to around! A landscaper or arborist about root pruning them, at the outer edge of the evergreens... Kill the tree small and some are quite big local nursery will do fine a..., Im a pool and pool deck all the details, but believe... Would have any effect on the distance between the deck best trees to plant around a pool and... Screening, pretty much any of the roots, removing them may kill... However, unless you are very patient, to wait for a few workers... Good sign sold pre-cut in standard sizes be the best solution is to relocate pool!