If you have a pool or think about getting one, don’t forget to plan the landscape around it. Of course, simply having a pool is a huge bonus during the hot and humid Maryland summers. However, ideally you want a pool that does more than the bare minimum of providing a way to cool down. Your pool should be a safe, secure, attractive and functional area where you can both relax and entertain, and that fits in well with the rest of your property.
Luckily, you can trust Lerch Brothers, landscape contractors with over 15 years of experience, when it comes to pool landscaping advice. Here are a few things you should consider including in your pool landscape.
A Fence
We know, a fence is not an attractive structure, but in most cases it’s irreplaceable. What else can help you keep the kids contained in one area, prevent dogs from jumping into the pool and provide privacy at the same time? So, if you have small children or pets that are kept unleashed, a fence is a must-have.
To make the fence stand out less, opt for a lighter color – it also won’t get too hot under the blazing sun. Plant shrubbery on either side of it to hide it from view.
Something green
Even if you opt for a concrete or stone patio surrounding the pool, leave some space for plants. They will bring in color and make your pool area look less monotone. If you have a wall blocking your pool from one side, dedicate some space on top for greenery – it will make your pool even more private and secluded.
So what kind of plants will work for the pool area? As Baltimore landscapers, we can give you a personal recommendation for your particular preferences and location whenever you call for a consultation. But here are some of the general do’s and don’ts when it comes to pool plants:
- Stay away from large trees and needle-bearing evergreens if you don’t want to fish for leaves every day.
- Avoid plants that bloom in massive amounts and for a long time, such as fruit trees. They will attract insects that may become a nuisance.
- Flat-leave evergreens are generally a good fit for pools.
- Don’t mulch too close to the pool – a strong gust of wind can blow the mulch right into the water.
- If you don’t have much space for greenery, use potted plants strategically positioned around the perimeter of the pool.
- Use trellises with climbing plants to create even more privacy or hide that eye-sore fence we just talked about.
Décor
So far, we’ve been creating privacy and comfort, but it’s time to add your personal touch. Feel free to choose a theme for your pool are and decorate accordingly. You can turn your pool into a tropical paradise, a relaxing spa, a party zone, a Japanese water sanctuary – you name it! To pull off a theme, you’ll need to be smart with the features and accessories.
- Install lights around the pool and in hangout areas for the night time – this could be lanterns, solar lights, bright LEDs, rope lights, recessed lighting or even multi-colored rights.
- Add sculpture if it fits with your theme.
- Think about including a water feature, such as a small waterfall or a fish pond.
- If you are using stones or pebbles around the pool – select the right size and color to go with your theme.
- Use large stones to add character and dimension to a flat landscape.
Got a few ideas? It will take some time and effort to get your pool from “OK” to “amazing,” but as specialists in landscape design in Baltimore, we’ll be happy to land a helping help. Just give us a call at 410.415.9023 and ask for Tom or John. We’ll be glad to answer your questions.
It’s spring – the time of the year when we shake off winter melancholia and get re-inspired by the warm weather, sunshine and the nature’s revival. Spring is also a great time to assess the state of your landscape and change up some of the vegetation.