Privacy hedges are great, they are fantastic for noise reduction, wind protection, aesthetics and of course stop unwanted views.
These trees & bushes are perfect for creating a private sanctuary around your pool area.
Find the best options suited to your growing zone and needs today!
11 Top Trees and Bushes for Poolside Privacy Hedges
1. Clumping Bamboo
Create a lush, tropical privacy hedge with clumping bamboo.
Its fast-growing, non-invasive nature makes it ideal for poolside screening.
Enjoy tall, dense foliage that provides excellent privacy with minimal maintenance.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-11
Average Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall, 5-10 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Bambusa spp.
2. Oleander
Enhance your poolside privacy with oleander, known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and evergreen foliage.
This versatile shrub provides year-round screening and minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for creating a colorful hedge.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-11
Average Mature Size: 8-12 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Nerium oleander
3. Photinia
Photinia is a great choice for enhancing your pool area with its striking red new foliage and rich green leaves.
This hardy shrub offers year-round privacy and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent option for a colorful and attractive hedge.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-9
Average Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall, 5-8 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Photinia × fraseri
4. Podocarpus
Add elegance and privacy to your pool area with Podocarpus. This versatile evergreen shrub features a narrow, upright growth habit perfect for tight spaces.
Its dense, dark green foliage creates a beautiful, low-maintenance hedge.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-11
Average Mature Size: 15-20 feet tall, 3-10 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus
5. Hopseed Bush
Hopseed bush is perfect for creating a fast-growing, dense privacy hedge around your pool.
Its attractive foliage and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for warm climates.
Enjoy a vibrant and effective screen with minimal effort.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-11
Average Mature Size: 12-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Dodonaea viscosa
6. Italian Cypress
Italian cypress offers a sleek, columnar shape perfect for creating a tall, narrow privacy hedge around your pool. This elegant evergreen requires minimal maintenance and adds a touch of sophistication to any landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-10
Average Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens
7. Wax Myrtle
Dense, aromatic foliage makes wax myrtle a top pick for poolside privacy.
This evergreen shrub thrives in various soil conditions and is low-maintenance. Enjoy a lush, year-round screen with minimal effort.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-11
Average Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Myrica cerifera
8. Arborvitae
Perfect for a lush, green privacy hedge, arborvitae features dense foliage that provides excellent screening.
This hardy evergreen is easy to maintain and adapts well to various conditions, making it ideal for poolside planting.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-7
Average Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis
9. Bay Laurel
Ideal for a fragrant and attractive privacy hedge, bay laurel boasts dense, glossy leaves.
This evergreen shrub is easy to shape and maintain, offering year-round privacy and adding culinary value to your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-10
Average Mature Size: 12-40 feet tall, 12-30 feet wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
10. Pittosporum
Pittosporum is an excellent choice for a privacy hedge, with its fast growth and dense, glossy foliage.
This versatile evergreen shrub is easy to shape and maintain, making it perfect for creating a lush, green screen around your pool.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-11
Average Mature Size: 10-30 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Pittosporum tenuifolium
11. Texas Privet
Ideal for creating a dense, lush hedge, Texas privet grows quickly and tolerates pruning well.
Its thick foliage provides excellent privacy, making it perfect for poolside areas.
Enjoy a low-maintenance, evergreen screen that thrives in various conditions.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-10
Average Mature Size: 6-12 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Ligustrum japonicum
Important Considerations Before Planting
Climate and Hardiness Zones
Before selecting your trees and shrubs, check your local climate and hardiness zone.
Choosing plants that thrive in your region ensures they will be healthy and grow well, providing the privacy you desire.
Sunlight and Shade Requirements
Consider how much sunlight your pool area gets throughout the day. Some plants need full sun to thrive, while others do better in partial shade.
Match your plant choices to the light conditions for optimal growth.
Soil Type and Drainage
Examine the soil type and drainage around your pool area. Different plants have different soil preferences, so selecting ones that suit your soil conditions will help them establish better and stay healthy.
Maintenance and Care
Think about the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Some trees and shrubs require regular pruning, watering, and fertilizing, while others are low-maintenance.
Choose plants that fit your gardening style and time availability.
Growth Rate and Mature Size
Consider the growth rate and mature size of the plants.
Fast-growing species can quickly provide privacy but may require more frequent trimming, while slower-growing plants take longer but need less maintenance.
Ensure they won’t outgrow the space or interfere with pool structures.
Evergreen vs. Deciduous
Decide whether you want evergreen plants, which keep their leaves year-round, or deciduous plants, which lose their leaves in winter.
Evergreens offer constant privacy, while deciduous plants can provide seasonal interest with flowers and fall foliage.
Pool Chemicals and Splash
Be mindful of the pool’s chemical treatments and the splash zone. Some plants are sensitive to chlorine and salt, which can cause damage.
Opt for varieties that can tolerate occasional exposure to pool water.
Local Regulations and HOA Rules
Check for any local regulations or Homeowners Association (HOA) rules regarding planting around pools.
There may be restrictions on plant height, distance from the pool, or types of plants allowed. Compliance will save you from potential fines or required removals.
Aesthetics and Design
Think about the overall look and feel you want for your pool area. The right combination of trees and shrubs can enhance the aesthetic appeal, creating a lush, inviting space.
Consider color, texture, and how the plants complement each other and your pool design.
Want More?
I hope you found the perfect privacy hedging trees for around your pool.
If you’re interested in enhancing your outdoor space with other effective privacy solutions, be sure to explore our other articles.
Discover ideal privacy trees for around your pool and privacy trees that work beautifully along your fence line.
