Magnolia Near Pool: Root Barrier and Leaf Litter

Neighbor planted magnolia 5 ft from fence near your fiberglass pool. Root damage? Leaf litter?

Roots

• Spread 25–30 ft from trunk; shallow (top 2 ft), rope-sized.
• Fiberglass pool likely impervious to roots.
• But roots can lift paving/patios.

Leaves

• Magnolias drop leaves year-round → pool cleanup.

Solutions

1. Ask neighbor to move tree this fall (best time).
2. Install root barrier on your side of fence: specs.
3. Cut encroaching roots, paint cuts with glyphosate (Roundup)—may stress tree.

Bottom Line

Roots won’t puncture fiberglass but will litter pool. Best: neighbor relocates tree. Barrier is backup.