The Best Plants and Trees to Surround Your Gunite Pool
A gunite pool is more than just a luxury feature—it’s the centerpiece of your outdoor living space. While the pool itself offers style and function, the surrounding landscape plays a key role in creating ambiance, enhancing privacy, and increasing property value. Choosing the best plants and trees to surround your gunite pool can transform your backyard into a personal paradise.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top landscaping choices that are both aesthetically pleasing and pool-friendly, so you can design a cohesive environment that thrives for years to come.
🌿 Why Thoughtful Pool Landscaping Matters
Landscaping around your gunite pool isn’t just about beauty. The right selection of plants and trees:
Provides natural shade and privacy
Frames the pool with texture and color
Prevents erosion and enhances drainage
Reduces noise and adds a sense of tranquility
Increases your home’s curb appeal and resale value
That said, not all plants are ideal near pools. You’ll want species that are low-maintenance, non-invasive, and debris-resistant. Let’s explore your best options.
✅ Best Features to Look For in Poolside Plants and Trees
When planning your poolside landscape, consider the following features:
| Feature | Reason |
|---|---|
| Low Litter | Avoids clogging filters and creating messes in the pool |
| Non-Invasive Roots | Prevents damage to pool decking and plumbing |
| Tolerant of Heat and Reflective Surfaces | Pools amplify sun and heat—plants must be durable |
| Drought-Resistant | Reduces watering needs in summer |
| Minimal Pest Attraction | Keeps bugs and critters away from the water |
🌴 Best Trees to Plant Around a Gunite Pool
1. Palm Trees
Why they work:
Palm trees provide that tropical, resort-style aesthetic without messy leaves. Their non-invasive roots make them safe for planting close to pool decks.
Top Varieties:
Pygmy Date Palm
Queen Palm
Windmill Palm
Mexican Fan Palm
🌞 Bonus: They handle heat, reflect light beautifully, and rarely drop heavy debris.
2. Japanese Maple
Why they work:
Ideal for adding color and elegance, Japanese Maples have small, delicate leaves that don’t clog filters. Their compact root systems also make them safe near concrete.
Ideal for: Shaded areas or pool corners
🍁 Choose dwarf varieties for easy shaping and year-round beauty.
3. Crape Myrtle
Why they work:
Crape myrtles bloom in vibrant colors all summer and have minimal leaf drop. They’re hardy, drought-tolerant, and can be shaped as trees or shrubs.
Colors include: White, pink, red, and lavender
🌸 Avoid varieties that produce seeds if you want a truly low-maintenance option.
4. Italian Cypress
Why they work:
These tall, narrow evergreens offer natural privacy without taking up too much space. They’re ideal for creating a dramatic border around your gunite pool.
🌲 Their vertical structure pairs beautifully with modern and Mediterranean pool designs.
5. Fruitless Olive Tree
Why they work:
Fruitless olive trees have a classic Mediterranean look without the mess of dropped fruit. They provide gentle shade and movement without obstructing views.
🌿 Perfect for Tuscan or desert-style landscapes.
🌸 Best Shrubs and Perennials for Poolside Planting
1. Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)
Why they work:
Agapanthus offers large, globe-shaped blooms in blue or white and thrives in sunny, poolside conditions.
🪻 They’re evergreen in warm climates and add visual height without being overwhelming.
2. Lavender
Why it works:
Lavender adds color, fragrance, and repels mosquitoes. It loves the sun and requires very little watering once established.
🌾 Works well in modern, Mediterranean, or cottage-style pool landscapes.
3. Bird of Paradise
Why it works:
This striking tropical plant provides a bold, exotic look with orange and blue flowers shaped like birds.
🌴 Pair with palms and lush greenery for a resort-style oasis.
4. Boxwood or Dwarf Holly
Why they work:
If you prefer a structured, elegant look, use low-maintenance evergreens like boxwoods or dwarf hollies for neat hedges around the pool.
🌱 Great for privacy or formal border planting.
5. Lantana
Why it works:
Lantana is drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and blooms continuously from spring through fall in vivid shades.
🌼 Choose sterile varieties to avoid spreading.
🌾 Best Ground Covers and Accent Plants
1. Blue Fescue Grass
Compact and drought-resistant, this ornamental grass adds texture and works well between rocks or pavers.
2. Sedum (Stonecrop)
A heat-resistant succulent perfect for dry areas near the pool. Minimal care required and no mess.
3. Mexican Feather Grass
Soft, flowing grass that adds movement and contrast. Pairs well with hardscaping and stone features.
4. Trailing Rosemary
Offers greenery, fragrance, and even culinary use. Works well in raised beds or cascading over walls.
🛑 Plants to Avoid Near Pools
Certain plants can create maintenance headaches or damage your pool structure. Avoid:
Deciduous trees like oaks and maples (heavy leaf drop)
Pine trees (needle and sap mess)
Fruit trees (attract bugs and rodents)
Bamboo (aggressive root systems)
Large-root trees like willows or elms
🧹 These plants may clog filters, stain surfaces, or require frequent cleanup.
🌿 Design Tips for Poolside Landscaping
Layer your plant heights – Use tall trees for backdrop, mid-sized shrubs for structure, and groundcovers for detail
Leave space for foot traffic – Don’t overcrowd the pool deck
Use decorative pots for flexibility and seasonal color
Choose native plants for low water needs and sustainability
Add mulch or stone around plant beds to reduce debris
🌺 Trust Harpeth Valley Hardscape for Your Gunite Pool Landscaping
At Harpeth Valley Hardscape, we design and build custom gunite pools and landscapes that blend beauty, functionality, and durability. From selecting the perfect trees and plants to installing stonework, lighting, and outdoor living features—we handle it all with precision and care.
Want to turn your backyard into a lush, low-maintenance oasis?
🌳 Fill out the form below to schedule a design consultation with our pool and landscaping experts today!
