[Tblue]

Originally Posted by Rison2242

We are considering building a pool and would like a little privacy on two sides. Trying to decide between a step down wall or just foliage. Pros and cons?

Foliage suggestions?

We did the step down wall and somehow not quite enough so we replaced the screen on top of the step down wall to a higher grade screen, we can see out be almost impossible to see in, unless after dark and we have some kind of light on inside the screen area.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by BEETHOVENMIKEY

Foliage is a maintenance headache, continued reoccurring costs and dramatic negative impact for maintenance on the pool. Use a fence/solid barrier and just put accent greenery

Fences aren’t allowed in most of the Villages.
Foliage is on the outside of the birdcage (which is screened), so leaves, etc won’t get in the pool.

[Tsalla Apopka]

If foliage - keep in mind the screens are replaced from the outside. Not a problem unless a screen gets dmaged or old.........

[MACH7SS]

Originally Posted by DAVES

Viburnum is actually a large plant family. I don't know what variety we have, planted by the builder they are now ten years old. I cut them about 3-4 times a year no trouble keeping them at 6 foot, easy to care for, no disease, no insects.

Podocarpus, I am not familiar with it but internet says it grows to 40-50 feet and 25 foot wide.

Podocarpus is similar to Viburnum. Viburnum will grow huge as well. I've seen Viburnum hedges over 30 feet high and 10 feet wide. I trim my Viburnum hedges at least 5 or 6 times a year to keep them 6 feet high and 2 feet wide. My Podocarpus plants surrounding my AC Condenser needs trimming just a couple of times a year and each time the clippings just fall into the bed. My Viburnum clippings fill a few paper lawn bags from Home Depot. I didn't add in my first post that I would replace my Viburnum with Popocarpus if my original hedge would not be so difficult to remove now.