Are all of the plants around your pool dying?

Whether you've got a green thumb or not, gardening around the pool is no easy feat. Not only do you have to take sun exposure into consideration, but you need to remember that anything you put in the ground will ultimately affect your pool and those who use it. Committing to the wrong shrubbery could mean one giant mess in your backyard when all you wanted to do was make it look pretty. Stop guessing and start gardening right with these helpful tips. 

Flowers that can pose a threat
One of the most important aspects of planting around the pool is safety. More often than not, people become preoccupied with the appearance of a plant. They fall in love with a rose bush, and later find that they need to remove thorns from their children's fingers several times a week. Before you get all wrapped up in a particular plant, think about how it will affect you and your pool guests.

As explained by Arizona Pottery, some plants may cause run-off, creating a dangerous and slippery walkway around the pool. Run-off occurs when the water from a plant seeps out of the potter and onto the land. At the very least it could mean a dirtier house if your little ones run inside after stepping in it. Find a plant that won't pose a threat to you and your loved ones, and put it in a potter that won't be messy.

Can plants get sun damage?
In addition to family matters, you'll want to think about the plant, too. It's cruel to buy a flower that'll just wilt in the sun. And, yes, certain flora thrive in heat while others tend to decay. If you're not sure about the difference, check out a gardening magazine or chat up the sales associate at your local home and garden store. 

A good way to navigate a nursery farm is to seek out plants that you associate with the heat. It's easy. In Florida, what do you see all around you? At just about every turn you'll find palm trees. How about Arizona? Travel along any major highway and you'll likely encounter some cacti. According to Arizona Pottery, succulents thrive in sunlight and they look good all year.

What plants won't damage the pool?
Not only do seasonal flowers make your backyard look bleak during off-peak months, but when they do bloom, they can make a giant mess. The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association suggested a plant that's within 6 to 8 feet to keep litter issues at bay. 

Here are some flowers that are pool friendly, courtesy of the AMWUA:

• Chocolate flower
• Desert marigold
• Gaura
• Blackfoot daisy
• Rain lilly
• Coral penstemon

If you're thinking about planting some trees for privacy purposes, your best bet may be the following, also recommended by the AMWUA:

• Ironwood
• Southern live oak
• Mastic tree
• Mexican blue palm
• Shoestring acacia

What about maintenance?
Taking care of your new greenery should be a piece of cake. Just inquire about care upon purchase, and keep an eye on them to make sure they're healthy. Because you are gardening near the pool, be sure to give special attention to maintenance, for example, cleaning the deck and balancing your pool chemicals.

As you'll be busy tending to your new backyard collection, call Fort Worth, San Diego or Phoenix pool service professionals to take care of simple repairs, large updates or to balance the chemicals. Clients in good standing can even receive a salt system courtesy of the company.

Turn your backyard into a fortress with these gardening tips. In this case, beauty doesn't have to equal pain.