Local landscape pros discuss pool cage plants
Enclosed pools are very common all over Florida, and especially in the Southwest region of the state around Fort Myers. Caged pools make sense for many people in the Sunshine State because they keep insects, pests and even alligators out of the area and allow the pool owner to enjoy their space any time of year.
An enclosed pool presents some unique challenges from the maintenance and design standpoints, and landscaping an enclosed pool should be done with care and careful selection of plants, grass and trees.
Peer Landscaping of Fort Myers has been performing professional landscaping services in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas for many years, and we’re happy to be the go-to choice for many individuals and businesses for landscape design, maintenance and installation.
We specialize in designs featuring pools, and most of our clients with pools have chosen to have them enclosed. Read on to learn more about how we plan for which plants to choose when landscaping in and around pool cages.
The first thing to consider when planting inside or around a pool cage is the plant’s root system. A plant with large and sprawling roots can eventually cause issues for the cage itself, or the cage can keep the plant from growing to its full potential. Worse still, a plant with a very prominent root system can cause issues for the pool pumping system or the pool deck if left unchecked.
Plants with invasive root systems such as Clusia should be avoided. If you are unsure about a plant’s root system characteristics, do some research before adding them to your outdoor space if it features an enclosure.
Because pool cages create a greenhouse effect, especially when the pool water is warmer and/or when a hot tub is present, it’s important to select plants which can thrive in warm, wet environments. If you select plants which do not thrive in high levels of humidity, they will not thrive inside a pool cage.
A combination of tropical trees and shrubs inside and outside the cage should provide the best chance at long term landscaping because they can deal with the increased levels of humidity.
Another thing to keep in mind for plants which will be inside the cage and nearest to the pool itself are the chemicals you are using to treat the pool. While many plants will not thrive when they’re around harsh chemicals, there are some which can perform better than others when in proximity to chlorine, salt and other commonly used compounds which are used to keep the pool clean.
The right plants for your pool will depend on your preferences, the type of pool and enclosure you have and the local climate. While this all might seem like a lot to keep track of, you can enlist the help of a local professional to make it easy.
Our team has been landscaping in and out of pool cages in Southwest Florida for years, and we have the know-how to ensure your pool looks its best. If you need the help of a trusted landscape professional, give us a call today and we will help make the perfect landscaping plan for your pool area.
