Trees & Pool Construction: What to Consider & How to Make It Work

Installing a pool in Middle Tennessee is often about more than just carving out space — it’s about transforming a backyard into a place where life happens. One of the most nuanced challenges in creating that space? Trees.

Why Trees Matter More Than You Think

While trees add beauty, shade, and privacy to a backyard, they also bring complexity to construction. Homeowners are often surprised to learn that a tree’s root system can extend well beyond its visible canopy — sometimes two to three times the width. This means that excavation for a pool shell, plumbing lines, patio footings, and even utility trenches can conflict with unseen root systems.

Tree roots don’t just impact where we can dig — they affect how deep, how stable, and how much grading is needed across the site. And while it may be tempting to simply “cut the roots,” removing too much of a tree’s root system can destabilize it or cause long-term health decline.

Even more challenging: you can’t just “bury” a tree. Adding too much soil around the base of a tree trunk suffocates its roots. In these cases, pools often need creative elevation solutions like retaining walls — which themselves require thoughtful planning, especially when they exceed 4' and trigger engineering requirements, or go above 32", requiring fall protection.

Permits and Protections

In cities like Oak Hill and Forest Hills, tree protection is taken a step further. Homeowners must apply for a tree removal permit when removing certain trees, and in many cases, attend a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meeting to receive approval. These processes aren’t just bureaucratic—they’re designed to preserve the natural beauty and character of the neighborhood.

How Palmingo Helps

At Palmingo, we take pride in solving problems before they become disruptions. We don’t see sloped yards or tree-filled properties as liabilities—we see them as opportunities to build something truly special.

Whether it's designing around a heritage oak, engineering a retaining wall that doubles as a stunning seating feature, or coordinating a tree permit application, our team manages the details so that you don’t have to.

The Bottom Line

If your property has trees, slope, or unique terrain, we encourage you to bring us in early. Our design and operations teams collaborate to evaluate site conditions holistically — so that your final pool and patio aren’t just functional, but beautiful, enduring, and compliant from the start.