Landscape Ideas for Small Backyards With Pools

Whether pools are in ground or above ground, they take up most of the space in small backyards, and when space is at a premium, the pressure is on to make every landscaping decision the right one. Climbing out of in-ground or above ground pools is risky with wet feet, so safe pavers or other hardscaping materials are a must. Compact plants offer color, and tall shrubs provide privacy and are visible beyond above-ground pools. Select plants that tolerate the high level of light and heat near pools -- and that produce low levels of litter to cut down on maintenance chores.

Small backyards with pools rarely have enough space for trees. Tree roots can damage pool walls, and overhanging branches drop leaves and other litter into the water. Don't plant any tree closer than 10 feet to pools.

Select plants that thrive in the growing conditions, such as sunny conditions where the backyards receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day or partially shaded gardens, which receive four to six hours of sunlight.

Brick, sandstone and flagstone are some hardscaping materials available with nonslip surfaces for installing around pools. Brick creates a formal or Mediterranean effect, such as a Mediterranean courtyard garden, while the warm, muted colors of sandstone conjure up desert landscapes. Flagstone can suit a tropical garden, such as might be seen outside colonial houses in foreign climes. Select pavers that complement the style of the house.

Compact, evergreen shrubs offer structure around pools in small backyards.

Danadu cut-leaf philodendron (Philodendron x Danadu) features large, glossy, divided evergreen leaves. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, this shrub grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide or wider and tolerates shady and sunny spots in the garden.

'Hoogendorn' Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Hoogendorn') is a dense, compact shrub with evergreen dark green, spineless leaves. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, 'Hoogendorn' is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9 and thrives in sunny backyards.

Tall, narrow shrubs provide a decorative solution to privacy problems around pools.

Balearic boxwood (Buxus balearica) is an evergreen shrub that grows 10 to 12 feet tall and wide but can be controlled with pruning. Its glossy leaves are dark green above and light green below. Balearic boxwood is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10.

Japanese holly 'Sky Pencil' (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil') is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 8, and grows 4 to 10 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. 'Sky Pencil' offers deep green, glossy, evergreen leaves.

Returning year after year, perennials can offer decorative leaves and blooms around backyard pools.

'Siam Ruby' banana (Musa 'Siam Ruby') is named for its ruby red leaves, which are patterned with bright lime green. Thriving in hot conditions near pools, 'Siam Ruby' grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide and is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 10. This perennial grows best in sunny areas of the garden.

'Yellow Futurity' canna (Canna 'Yellow Futurity'), which is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, offers vibrant yellow flowers midsummer through early fall and large-leaved foliage. Growing 24 to 30 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide, 'Yellow Futurity' tolerates sunny and partially shaded poolsides.

Growing plants in containers provides flexibility in small backyards with pools where there is no bare soil. They can be hung along fences to save space as well.

Grow plants in containers with drainage holes, and select containers in the same style, color or shape to unify the landscape.

Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) grows 2 feet tall and wide and features evergreen, glossy, bright green leaves and purple summer flowers. Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, Mexican heather grows in sunny and partially shaded spots.

African aloe (Aloe saponaria) attracts hummingbirds with its tall spikes of coral-colored blooms, which appear spring through summer. Growing 10 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, African aloe is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11.