Where are you located? How wide is that grass strip? Looks to be too narrow for trees or shrubs.

Palms provide a minimal amount of shade........

For me, its not hiding the fence, its showing the fench some love. Sand it, stain it or paint it. then go back and add some shrubs. Palms wont help, any tree is going to put off roots.

Im located in Houston. The mulch behind the pool is 7 feet from pool to fence, so lots of room. We’re also in the process of getting the fence replaced, which I think will help. And as far as a palm, was thinking a smaller palm like a windmill, nothing too big

Most palms - like the various windmill palms - prefer a lot of sun. Growth would be very slow in much shade. And the shorter the palm, the less shade it will produce.

Do stain the fence at lease. shrubs with reds and oranges, perhaps some whispy grasses.

I think come back after the fence is replaced there would be no point in planting anything there until the fence work is done .

You might want to consider Yaupon Holly. They’d do fine in the conditions you have — I’ve had many in Texas in sun and part shade both, and near a pool. Evergreen. Drought tolerant. You may be experienced with them, and can stop reading, but if not ….

There is the possibility of berries (male vs female plants), but I’ve never had an issue with them being a problem, as they occur mostly later in the year and don’t tend to blow around like leaves or acorns. Birds love the berries, especially Mockingbirds. It’s a great winter food source.

Perfect small native tree for Texas — attractive, very tough, and no bad habits or issues at all. Not in the class of shade trees, per se, but would provide some sun block, and would be a good screen. You can choose leaving them more shrubby or how much you want to limb up in a tree form.

A windmill palm might be a good accent plant, but not what I’d use alone for this spot.

ETA: Another bit of advice … in the future, I wouldn’t tag the Design Dilemmas board for landscaping questions. :)

Here are a few suggestions:

Pretty design, Doug, but Crape Myrtles are not a good idea near pools, in my opinion and experiences. Very messy.

@Dig Doug's Designs love your design. This is exactly the look I’m going for. what are those trees in the corners? and what types of shrubs are those along the back pool wall?

Loquat, dwarf callistemon & Variegated Ginger

It sounds like you have a great opportunity to create a beautiful and functional backyard oasis behind your pool! With the two large elm trees providing shade, you could consider adding some ferns or hostas which thrive in shaded areas. A palm tree in the corner would definitely add a nice tropical touch and provide some additional shade in the afternoon.

For the fence, you might want to consider a columnar evergreen like the Italian Cypress or Emerald Green Arborvitae. They can grow tall and narrow, providing privacy and a beautiful backdrop for your pool area without taking up too much space.

Another idea would be to add some raised planter boxes along the fence line and plant some colorful annuals or perennials that will bloom throughout the summer. This will add a pop of color and texture to your space while also providing a natural screen.

Idk how much greenery care you plan on. Especially with a pool, lighting could be very 'cool' shining on basic shrubs, and any fence.... It'd become a pretty border for part or half of the pool -- large tree and other side of pool would need a complementing, a different set of lights I suppose.

On top of mulch, do you want a line of large daybed/ seating?

This shade arbor spans the entire length of the back yard. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden.

Iron Shade Arbor · More Info