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Plant in Fall for Summer Color and Foliage

Fall is an ideal time to enhance your new or existing pool area with beautiful perennials, trees and shrubs that will provide popping color and lush foliage and next year. But do your research before you invest in plants for your backyard escape. Some plants are more desirable than others for many reasons.

1. Consider the ouch factor. Plants that have potentially painful thorns include roses, bougainvillea, barberry, and pyracantha, as well as cacti and other succulents. Thorns can hurt!

2. Avoid invasive roots. Over the years, trees and plants with invasive roots can damage the pool's structure, its surrounding area, and its plumbing system. Ficus, elm and oak trees are on this list.

3. Does it shed? Fruit and flower-bearing trees and shrubs may be gorgeous, but they make a big mess - for you to clean up -- when their leaves, needles, fruits, flowers or nuts fall in and around your pool. A colorful deciduous tree will shed its leaves in the fall, which means more pool sweeping for you, while an evergreen will stay green (and neat!) all year.

4. How big will it get? Try to find plants in one-gallon, 4-ounce or 6-pack containers. Just because a plant starts out in a 4-ounce pot doesn't mean it will stay relatively small. Check the label. You may get some great deals on plants that are sold in small containers.

5. Know native vs. exotic. Local nurseries usually feature plants that are native to your area or will adapt well to your climate. You may be tempted by an exotic banana tree that you can order on the internet, but you'll be wasting your dollars if it's not suitable for your neck of the woods. If in doubt, consult regional planting charts or your local nursery.

Ultimately, keep it simple. With the right plant selections, you can actually find time to relax in your swimming pool and enjoy the scenery.

At Barry Barkovits Custom Pools, our people make the difference. Our team is comprised of eighteen experienced employees - four are PA State certified pool operators and our retail store is a licensed PA state certified chemical applicator. Our in-house team will work tirelessly to provide you with top-of-the-line service, before, during and after the sale of your new outdoor living space. We are proud of the numerous prestigious awards we have received from the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), Penn Jersey Pool & Spa Association, and the Lehigh Valley Builders Association. For more information, call us at 610) 691-7665.