1. Design with Your Climate in Mind Every great landscape starts with understanding the environment. Choosing plants and materials suited to your local climate ensures your pool area stays beautiful year-round—and saves you time and money on maintenance. *Drought-resistant landscaping is perfect for dry regions (think succulents and native grasses). *Tropical pool landscaping thrives in humid climates and adds lush, vibrant color. *Cooler climates benefit from evergreens, flowering shrubs, and hardy perennials. Need help choosing the right options for your area? Our team can recommend plantings and materials that thrive in your local conditions. 2. Choose Family-Friendly, Low-Mess Plants Not all plants are pool-friendly. We recommend choosing low-maintenance, non-invasive plants that won’t clog filters or litter your pool with leaves. Ideal options include: *Ornamental grasses (low mess, modern look) *Bird of Paradise (tropical flair without the mess) *Small palms, agaves, and flowering shrubs *Avoid trees with aggressive roots or plants that drop excessive flowers, fruit, or leaves. We can help you select the best poolside plants that work beautifully with your lifestyle. 3. Use Safe, Durable Poolside Surfaces Families need pool areas that are safe for kids, easy to clean, and built to last. The surface around your pool should be slip-resistant, cool underfoot, and durable against water and UV rays. Popular choices include: *Travertine or natural stone pavers *Textured or stamped concrete *Timber or composite decking We offer expert installation of safe and stylish pool surrounds that hold up against the elements—and everyday family life. 4. Light Up the Night Well-placed outdoor lighting can completely change the look and feel of your backyard pool area, while also making it safer for kids and guests after dark. Lighting ideas: *LED path lights for walkways *Underwater lights to highlight your pool’s features *Garden uplighting for trees or accent walls From design to installation, we create custom outdoor lighting plans that make your space both beautiful and functional. 5. Plan for Safety As landscapers who work with families, and have families of our own, we know that safety is a top priority. *Install pool fencing that meets local safety regulations *Ensure pathways are clear and well-lit *Grade the land for proper drainage and avoid puddling We can assess your current setup and recommend landscaping improvements that make your pool area safer for children, pets, and guests. 6. Keep It Easy to Maintain We believe your backyard should be a place to relax—not just another chore. That’s why we design landscapes with low-maintenance, family-friendly features. *Use mulch or stone ground covers to reduce weeds *Install smart irrigation systems for automatic watering *Choose plants that don’t require frequent trimming or care Let us handle the hard work—we’ll design and build a poolside landscape that stays beautiful with minimal upkeep. 7. Add Personal Touches That Reflect Your Family Now for the fun part—customizing your space to match your lifestyle and personality. Ideas include: *Comfortable lounge areas for parents and guests *Shade structures or pergolas for sunny days *Fire pits or built-in seating for evening gatherings *From outdoor living zones to family-friendly poolside designs, we help you create a space that works for the way you live.