tree diseases and the symptoms to watch for

Removing Trees For A Pool? Some Dos And Don'ts

10 March 2023

Wesley Perry

Are you preparing your backyard for the installation of a swimming pool? While this beloved backyard amenity will improve your home value and get everyone outside to enjoy the summer sun, it has a huge impact on the landscape as a whole. 

Nowhere is this impact felt more than with existing trees. Your immediate instinct may be to remove all trees near the pool. However, should you? To help you find the right balance, here are a few key do's and don'ts. 

Do Remove Hazardous Trees

Certainly, you should remove any trees which pose a threat to the pool's construction or ongoing maintenance. In general, this means trees that could be at risk of falling, those whose root structures are in the way, or any which you can't work around. 

Don't Get Rid of All Shade

Don't be too quick to cut down all trees and leave the pool fully exposed to the sun. Depending on your usage, a little shade is actually a good thing. Dappled shade in the height of summer makes swimming and playing more enjoyable. However, it could raise heating costs if you use the pool in the off-season. Examine shade patterns before deciding which trees to remove. 

Do Create Some Privacy

Shade isn't the only reason to leave some trees around the pool. They also form natural and beautiful privacy barriers. Leyland cypress trees, for instance, are a type of evergreen that grows quickly and remains lush through all seasons. And the lemon bottlebrush can even be planted in containers to fill privacy gaps. 

Don't Panic About Roots

Root systems are rightly a concern for pool owners. Even though a tree may not be too close to the pool above ground doesn't mean its roots don't extend that far underground. However, tree roots aren't necessarily a danger to in-ground pools. Modern fiberglass and concrete pools may not be at much risk from roots while vinyl liners may be. Find out more about your tree's characteristics and the pool's sturdiness before going overboard about roots. 

Do Avoid Messy Trees

While some trees are nice to have around a pool, this does not include anything that will make a mess. Avoid letting fruit and nut trees live alongside a pool, as these will contaminate and clog the area. Similarly, a tree that drops needles, oozes sap, or attracts messy birds and wildlife may not be fun to have around. 

Where to Start

Before you decide to keep or remove any trees pending the pool's construction, start by meeting with a professional tree removal service in your local region. They can work with you to identify what to keep, what to cut, and what to add for the perfect pool environment. 

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