A swimming pool should be a place where you can relax without feeling like you're on display. Whether you're trying to block nearby homes, reduce street noise, or create a lush backyard retreat, planting fast-growing privacy trees is one of the most effective long-term solutions.

The best poolside trees grow quickly, provide dense foliage, have non-invasive root systems, and create minimal leaf or fruit litter. Below are 12 excellent choices that can transform your pool area into a private oasis.

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1. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata)

Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the most popular privacy trees available today.

Why it's great:

• Grows 3–5 feet per year
• Evergreen year-round privacy
• Resistant to deer and many diseases
• Tolerates heat and cold

Mature Size

• Height: 40–60 feet
• Width: 12–18 feet

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2. Leyland Cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii)

If you need privacy quickly, Leyland Cypress is hard to beat.

Benefits

• Extremely fast growth
• Thick evergreen foliage
• Excellent windbreak
• Forms a dense living wall

Mature Size

• Height: 50–70 feet
• Width: 15–20 feet

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3. Nellie R. Stevens Holly

This attractive evergreen combines privacy with glossy green leaves and bright red berries.

Highlights

• Dense branching
• Grows 2–3 feet annually
• Low maintenance
• Great screening tree

Mature Size

• Height: 20–30 feet
• Width: 10–15 feet

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4. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Native to much of North America, Eastern Red Cedar is both hardy and drought tolerant.

Advantages

• Evergreen foliage
• Excellent wildlife habitat
• Handles poor soils
• Minimal maintenance

Mature Size

• Height: 30–50 feet
• Width: 10–20 feet

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5. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Also called Northern White Cedar, this tree is ideal for formal privacy hedges.

Benefits

• Dense evergreen growth
• Easy to prune
• Cold hardy
• Moderate growth rate

Mature Size

• Height: 20–40 feet
• Width: 10–15 feet

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6. Cryptomeria (Japanese Cedar)

Cryptomeria offers soft, feathery foliage and excellent screening.

Why choose it?

• Fast growth
• Attractive blue-green needles
• Few pest problems
• Elegant appearance

Mature Size

• Height: 40–60 feet
• Width: 20–30 feet

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7. Emerald Green Arborvitae

Ideal for smaller yards where space is limited.

Pros

• Compact footprint
• Evergreen
• Easy to maintain
• Great for narrow privacy screens

Mature Size

• Height: 12–15 feet
• Width: 3–4 feet

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8. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

Perfect for warmer climates, Wax Myrtle grows rapidly and provides dense screening.

Features

• Fast-growing
• Evergreen in mild climates
• Fragrant foliage
• Attracts birds

Mature Size

• Height: 15–25 feet
• Width: 15–20 feet

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9. Italian Cypress

Few trees create the elegant resort look of Italian Cypress.

Advantages

• Narrow columnar shape
• Evergreen
• Great for tight spaces
• Excellent vertical accent

Mature Size

• Height: 40–60 feet
• Width: 4–6 feet

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10. Carolina Cherry Laurel

This evergreen produces glossy leaves and thick growth for outstanding privacy.

Benefits

• Fast-growing
• Dense foliage
• Handles pruning well
• Heat tolerant

Mature Size

• Height: 20–40 feet
• Width: 15–25 feet

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11. Hybrid Willow

Although deciduous, Hybrid Willow grows incredibly fast and provides seasonal screening.

Pros

• Up to 8–10 feet of growth annually
• Excellent windbreak
• Quick shade
• Adaptable to many soils

Mature Size

• Height: 35–50 feet
• Width: 20–30 feet

Note: Plant well away from pools because willow roots seek moisture and can become invasive.

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12. Bamboo (Clumping Varieties)

Technically a grass, clumping bamboo is one of the fastest-growing privacy plants available.

Why gardeners love it

• Extremely fast growth
• Tropical appearance
• Dense natural screen
• Excellent for modern landscapes

Mature Size

• Height: 15–35 feet (variety dependent)

Always choose clumping bamboo, not running bamboo, to prevent unwanted spreading.

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Tips for Planting Trees Around a Pool

To keep your pool beautiful and easy to maintain:

• Plant trees at least 15–25 feet from the pool when possible.
• Avoid species with aggressive roots.
• Choose evergreens for year-round privacy.
• Consider mature width before planting.
• Install mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
• Water regularly during the first two growing seasons.

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Trees to Avoid Near Pools

Some beautiful trees can create problems around swimming pools because of invasive roots, messy seed pods, or excessive leaf drop.

Avoid planting:

• Silver Maple
• Weeping Willow
• Cottonwood
• Sweetgum
• Mulberry
• Black Walnut

These species often create extra cleanup or may interfere with pool decking and plumbing over time.

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Final Thoughts

Creating a private backyard retreat starts with choosing the right trees. Fast-growing evergreens like Green Giant Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, Italian Cypress, and Nellie R. Stevens Holly provide beautiful year-round screening while adding value and curb appeal to your landscape.

Before planting, consider your climate, available space, and the tree's mature size. With thoughtful planning, you'll enjoy a greener, more secluded pool area for years to come.