Summers in North Idaho can be spectacular with plenty of sun and heat. For that reason, several of our customers have decided to invest in a back-yard pool. Our family has had an above ground pool since we built our home as well. While enjoyable, they can be plenty of work as well. I love my pool and I love my trees as well but the two do not mix! Yes, pool covers help but from all my experience, if you have a big open space to put a pool, leave it open. Don’t plant trees anywhere near the pool, including Evergreens. A person doesn’t realize how much falls from trees until you have a clean and clear body of water nearby. It is constant from pods, cones, seeds, flowers, sumara (the little helicopter wings that maples drop) leaves, needles, bark, sap, pitch and the list goes on! If you are thinking about putting in a pool and are wondering about keeping an existing tree, don’t! Limbing it up or back will not help. Tree debris can drift and float in on the slightest breeze. Pools in my opinion are about two things. Water and as much direct sunlight all day long that you can get. If you want shade, buy an umbrella.
On the flip side, you may be dealing with a brand new yard. It could be facing west and in direct sunlight all day. Perhaps a pool is not what you want but tree shade is. Be very careful about planting “fast growing” trees. I have seen expensive disasters created by people trying to grow their shade overnight. Research trees that grow in our area, and select a quality species that with care will provide years of shade and enjoyment. Avoid those trees that advertise growing five to eight feet per year such as the Hybrid Poplar. They are not falsely advertising. They are the proverbial “jack in the beanstock” They will quickly outgrow their space, develop invasive root systems and develop insect and disease problems when you cant provide enough water to keep up with their growth.
More next week and as always, for further questions, quotes or consultations, give us a call today.