Depends on the type of bamboo they're considering. The running types are invasive but the clumpers aren't. Bamboos drop junk, lots of it, which might be a consideration near a pool.

Hmmm, good question. I wonder how fast each would grow? I really like Tecomas for screening, but have no idea what the area is like that they're trying to screen - how high, what exposure, is there a wall in between, etc.

Personally I'd choose the Giant Timber Bamboo-Oldhami(sp?). It is a clumping type so you don't have to worry about it spreading everywhere and it has a very exotic look. With Ficus you'd constantly be having to trim it to keep it under control and the roots COULD be a problem. Theoretically if there isn't a crack in your pool than roots aren't a problem, but I wouldn't risk it. This variety of bamboo can get very tall and thick, but not nearly as wide as ficus. If you want immediate screening I'd plant one every 6 or 7 feet than remove a couple once they get going.

Ficus are notorious for having roots that lift sidewalks, patios, fence foundations and pool decking and I agree that the litter from bamboo could be an issue.

As Pagancat mentioned, I'd look for desert-adapted screening plants. Here are some to consider.

Leather-leaf acacia (Acacia craspedocarpa) - grows to about 10 feet tall with rounded gray-green leaves. Yellow puff-ball flowers in spring. Low litter.

Hop Bush (Dodonea viscosa) - grows about 10 feet tall with bright green leaves. Has very tiny flowers. Low litter.

Sugar Bush (Rhus ovata) - will reach 10 feet and has dark green leaves. Small cream colored flowers. Low litter.

Arizona Rosewood (Vauquelinia californica) - reaches 10 feet or more wiht narrow dark green leaves. Clusters of white flowers in early summer. Can be mistaken for oleander at a distance.

Here is a link to a publication on plants that are suitable near pools along with some great tips for landscaping in these areas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Plants for Poolside Landscapes

Thanks so much for the information, everyone - you are all wonderful and knowledgeable as always.

I was discussing the drawbacks of both plants with my folks last night and it was definitely helpful to them. So...they decided to go with option 3, which is palm trees and then vines to soften the block walls. I think I was able to talk them into my favorite vine - Lady Banks Rose - which I think will look great by the pool. :-)

Thanks again,
Natalie

TreeLover, That's a good list. I especially like the Az Rosewood for my purposes (thread re: Hedges). I also like the Hop Bush but the Google images I found showed it had purple leaves. Do you know why it would sometimes be purple? I was also thinking of Little Leaf Cordia (I think). What do you think of that shrub?

Thanks,
Mary