Privacy Hedges & Shrubs Around Pool
There are plenty of reasons why having privacy hedges around your pool in Utah is the right choice. The first is privacy, of course. Whether your neighborhood layout puts your pool too near the next house over or the difference in property elevation makes it difficult to feel secluded, the right kind of hedge can make your pool area feel like the private oasis it was always meant to be.
But privacy isn’t the only reason we’re talking about the best hedges around pools. Shrubs as pool landscaping ideas are perfect for blocking street views, muffling noise (from both within and without), offering protection against Utah’s sometimes intense winds, providing shade during peak summertime pool hours, and adding beauty to your backyard’s overall design and appearance.
When it comes to choosing the best privacy shrubs for Utah pools, there are also a few unique considerations outside the realms of comfort and aesthetics. The local climate, for one, plays a large role in how to choose shrubs for your pool area. But you’ll also want to think about things such as chlorine splashes and sun exposure when picking out that just-right shrub for your Utah pool landscaping. All of these will help create and maintain the beautiful and safe environment you’re looking for.
The Best Hedges & Shrubs for Poolside Privacy
No matter your personal style or the amount of space you have, we can help you choose the right privacy shrub for your Utah pool. Whether you’re looking for fast-growing hedges, debris-free shrubbery, or Utah-friendly and drought-tolerant plants, we’ve got you covered.
Boxwood Privacy Hedge
Boxwood is very popular for privacy hedges around pools for a few reasons. First, its dense growth pattern and beautiful evergreen foliage provide excellent screening all year round. They are also easily pruned to your desired shape and are generally easy to care for, making them the ultimate high-end, low-maintenance privacy shrub.
Another reason we think boxwood is one of the best privacy shrubs for Utah pool areas is that it’s a fairly hardy plant, adapting well to our state’s often extreme cold come wintertime. They’re also resilient enough to withstand strong winds once established.
There are a few things to note before adding boxwood shrubs to your Utah pool landscaping, however. As lovely as the wide varieties are, boxwoods can be slow growers (you can expect around 3 inches of height per year), which means that, unlike some other shrubs, it’ll take some time to reach the desired level of privacy. You’ll also want to ensure this plant is partial to full sun and well-drained soil before committing to it for your pool area.
Yew Privacy Hedge
Yew trees are another shrub known to make some of the best privacy hedges for Utah pool areas. These hearty evergreens have deeply-colored, soft foliage and grow steadily (albeit a tad slowly to start), which means that in a few years, you’ll have beautiful fence-like privacy, ideal for children and pets playing near the pool area.
Yews are typically resilient to repeated pruning and are even considered drought-resistant, making them perfect for hot Utah summers. Another plus? They adapt to a variety of sun exposures, making them versatile enough to plant throughout the yard without fear of scorching or weakening.
Just note that some yew shrubs are toxic if consumed by either humans or animals, so be cautious in planting them based on your own household’s required degree of prudence in this area.
Privet Privacy Hedge
Unlike yew and boxwood, privet provides a fast-growing evergreen option for your pool area’s privacy hedge. And because privet provides that quick privacy (along with bursts of pretty white blossoms come early summer), it works well for new builds that lack natural growth, but also for moving into a close-proximity neighborhood without adequate privacy from existing landscaping. Another thing that makes privet one of the best hedges around pools? It has a high tolerance for less-than-ideal conditions of too much sun, city pollution, and even salt.
Privet can be pruned into more formal shapes or left to grow more naturally alongside other hedge shrubs. Just remember that if you want to maintain a structured look, fast growth will mean regular trimming. You should also be aware that some varieties of privet may prove invasive in Utah, so responsible planting is required.
Hedge Shrubs Not to Choose
A few landscaping plants may have caught your attention, but they should be avoided when creating privacy hedges around pools. Plants that are seriously invasive to the area:
- Invasive Species—Non-native species of plants that are very difficult to control should not be used for your pool landscaping ideas. Not only can it create a problem in your surrounding area, but it will likely make maintaining your own landscape design and pool area more difficult.
- Heavy Litterers—Any kind of plant that drops its leaves, loses berries, or otherwise litters in your pool area should not be an option. These kinds of plants can clog pool drains, create tripping hazards, and more in your pool’s hardscaped areas.
- Non-Hardy Varieties—Utah is known for its extreme weather, often requiring us to endure intense bouts of snow, wind, or even drought. The best hedges around pools in Utah are ones that can withstand all of it.
How to Choose & Maintain Poolside Privacy Hedges
Choosing the best privacy hedge for your Utah pool will become easier when you know what options work best for your space, lifestyle, and aesthetic. Here are a number of things to consider when looking to determine the kinds of shrubs that will work best for you.
Available space. How much of your pool area is up for grabs to create your privacy hedge? Narrow spaces may require plants that grow straight up rather than sprawling, whereas plenty of space may allow for a variety of plants that come together like a beautiful hedge collage.
Typical weather conditions. Think about where you live and the kind of weather you see year-round. Not only that, but consider the sun exposure in the area and how much natural rainfall your privacy shrubs will receive. Plant accordingly.
Timeline. How quickly do you need this privacy hedge to be mature, providing the seclusion you’re looking for? Consider the long-term growth patterns and timelines of your favorite hedge shrub picks and go from there.
HOA restrictions. Check with your neighborhood association before settling on the best hedge plants for around your pool. Some may have guidelines or even specific plants they require you to use.
Plans for maintenance. Planting and maintaining your Utah pool’s landscaping is a serious job that requires planning and dedication. Determine whether you have the knowledge, skill, and time necessary for upkeep or plan on hiring trusted professionals to help you with optimal spacing, planting depth, pruning, watering schedules, and more.
Poolside Privacy By Big Rock Landscaping
While having a privacy hedge around your pool is a fantastic idea, it’s not one everyone has the expertise to implement or the bandwidth to manage. Having a professional with you from the start can make everything from designing your natural privacy hedge through selection of species, proper planting, custom irrigation installation, and long-term maintenance a breeze.
So don’t let choosing the best shrubs for privacy intimidate you! Big Rock Landscaping is here to provide you with the kind of expertise and service that you can trust to ensure the beauty, functionality, and longevity of your Utah pool landscaping.
Ready to improve your backyard pool as well as your home’s overall privacy, curb appeal, and long-term property value? Contact Big Rock Landscaping today!
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