The Best Hedging Trees to Plant Poolside

If you want to elevate your poolside into a luxurious retreat, the right trees can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to create shade, add privacy, or enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, selecting the right trees is key. This guide highlights five exceptional trees—Waterhousia floribunda, Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Laurus Nobilis ‘Miles Choice’, Olea Europea ‘Tolley’s Upright’, and Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’—each offering unique benefits to create a shaded, sophisticated poolside experience.

Why Shade Trees Are Essential for Your Pool Area

Shade trees do more than just enhance the beauty of your poolside—they create a cooler, more comfortable environment while adding a touch of elegance to your landscape. Here’s why these trees are perfect for a high-end garden setting:

• Minimize Sun Exposure: Trees act as natural sunscreens, filtering UV rays and providing a cooler space to relax.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Trees add structure, texture, and colour, transforming your pool area into a luxurious retreat.

• Energy Efficiency: Shade trees naturally cool the surrounding area, reducing the need for additional cooling systems.

Let’s explore the top five trees for your poolside oasis.

1. Waterhousia floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly)

Waterhousia floribunda, also known as Weeping Lilly Pilly, is a fast-growing evergreen tree with lush, weeping foliage. Its dense canopy provides excellent shade and privacy, making it ideal for poolside planting. This tree thrives in moist conditions, making it perfect for gardens with consistent watering.

Key Features:

• Height: Up to 12m

• Width: 4-6m

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Best For: Informal hedges, wetter climates, soft privacy screens

• Consider This If: You want a relaxed, natural look with lush, weeping foliage and enjoy low-maintenance, moisture-loving trees.
• Might Not Be Ideal If: You live in an area with extremely cold temperatures or heavy, prolonged frost. While it’s frost-tolerant to some degree, prolonged freezing temperatures may affect its health.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Poolside:
Waterhousia floribunda’s weeping foliage creates a relaxed, natural look while offering dense shade. Its adaptability to wetter conditions and low-maintenance nature make it a practical choice for creating a serene poolside retreat.

2. Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash)

Elaeocarpus reticulatus, or Blueberry Ash, is a graceful evergreen tree native to Australia. Known for its delicate foliage, bell-shaped flowers, and small blue fruit, this tree adds both beauty and functionality to your poolside.

Key Features:

• Height: 5-10m

• Width: 3-4m

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Best For: Shade trees, ornamental features, bird-attracting gardens

• Consider This If: You want a tree that adds both beauty and functionality, with evergreen leaves providing year-round shade. It’s great if you enjoy seasonal interest from its flowers and fruit, and want a tree that attracts birds and other wildlife.
• Might Not Be Ideal If: You live in an area with extremely dry conditions. Blueberry Ash thrives in areas with consistent moisture and may not do as well in very dry climates without regular watering.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Poolside:
Blueberry Ash’s evergreen foliage ensures year-round shade, while its flowers and fruit add seasonal interest. It’s also low-maintenance and thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for any garden.

3. Laurus Nobilis ‘Miles Choice’ (Bay Tree)

Laurus Nobilis ‘Miles Choice’ is a compact, upright variety of the classic Bay Tree. Its dense, dark green foliage and fragrant leaves make it a standout choice for formal poolside settings.

Key Features:

• Height: Up to 10m

• Width: 3-4m

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

• Best For: Formal hedges, low-maintenance gardens, fragrant screening

• Consider This If: You want a structured, formal look around your pool, with dense, aromatic foliage. It’s perfect for people who appreciate elegant, low-maintenance landscaping and want a tree that provides fragrant greenerythroughout the year.
• Might Not Be Ideal If: You’re after a fast-growing tree or something with showy flowers or fruit. This tree is more about its sleek form and fragrant leaves than decorative blooms.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Poolside:
This tree’s structured form and aromatic foliage add a touch of sophistication to your pool area. It’s also drought-tolerant and requires minimal pruning, making it a hassle-free addition to your landscape.

4. Olea Europea ‘Tolley’s Upright’ (Olive Tree)

Olea Europea ‘Tolley’s Upright’ is a narrow, upright olive tree with silvery-green foliage. Its Mediterranean aesthetic and drought tolerance make it a perfect choice for modern poolside designs.

Key Features:

• Height: 4-6m

• Width: 1.5-2m

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Best For: Mediterranean-style gardens, narrow spaces, drought-tolerant landscapes

• Consider This If: You want a tree with a Mediterranean flair and a narrow profile that won’t take up too much horizontal space. This tree is perfect if you need something drought-tolerant for dry climates or modern poolside designs that feature elegant greenery.
• Might Not Be Ideal If: You live in an area with frequent frost. Olive trees prefer warm, dry conditions and may struggle in regions with harsh winters.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Poolside:
This tree’s compact form and elegant foliage create a refined look, while its low water requirements make it ideal for dry climates. It’s perfect for adding a touch of Mediterranean charm to your pool area.

5. Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’

Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is a compact evergreen tree with glossy, dark green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Its dense foliage and upright growth habit make it a stunning focal point for poolside planting.

Key Features:

• Height: 4-6m

• Width: 2-3m

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Best For: Small gardens, courtyards, feature planting

• Consider This If: You want a compact, statement-making tree that provides both lush evergreen foliage and fragrant, beautiful blooms. It's perfect for creating a focal point in smaller spaces or adding a touch of elegance to your pool area.
• Might Not Be Ideal If: You’re looking for a super-fast-growing tree. While it’s moderate in growth, it won’t offer instant shade like some other fast-growing varieties.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Poolside:
Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ offers year-round beauty with its lush foliage and fragrant blooms. Its compact size and low-maintenance nature make it ideal for creating a luxurious, shaded retreat around your pool.

How to Choose the Right Tree for Your Poolside

When selecting trees for your pool area, consider the following factors:

• Maintenance: Choose trees that don’t drop excessive leaves or fruit to minimize pool cleaning.

• Root System: Opt for trees with non-invasive roots to avoid damaging pool structures.

• Climate Compatibility: Select species that thrive in your local climate for long-term success.

Planting Tips for Poolside Trees

• Position Wisely: Plant trees at least 3-5 meters from the pool to avoid debris and root interference.

• Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil to support healthy growth.

• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Regular Pruning: Prune to maintain shape and size, especially for fast-growing species.

Benefits of Adding Shade Trees Around Your Pool

• Enhanced Privacy: Trees like Waterhousia floribunda and Laurus Nobilis ‘Miles Choice’ create natural screens.

• Temperature Regulation: Shade trees cool the pool area, making it more comfortable for swimming.

• Environmental Impact: Trees improve air quality and create a healthier outdoor environment.

FAQs

Q: How close can I plant these trees to the pool?
A: To avoid root interference and debris, plant trees at least 3-5 meters away from the pool.

Q: Are these trees suitable for small pool areas?
A: Yes, trees like Olea Europea ‘Tolley’s Upright’ and Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ are compact and ideal for smaller spaces.

Q: How often should I prune these trees?
A: Prune once or twice a year to maintain shape and remove dead branches.

Transform Your Poolside into a Luxurious Retreat

By incorporating trees like Waterhousia floribunda, Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Laurus Nobilis ‘Miles Choice’, Olea Europea ‘Tolley’s Upright’, and Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’, you can create a shaded, stylish, and functional poolside oasis. Each tree offers unique benefits, ensuring your outdoor space is both beautiful and practical.

Explore our full range of poolside trees and start transforming your garden today.