Advice on tree trimming for pool shade

SamanthaSS · Feb 10, 2026 8:24 pm

We’re trying to improve shade around our pool area and are looking at light / selective tree trimming rather than removing anything.

Property is inner Brisbane, so we’re conscious of council rules and don’t want anything heavy-handed, just sensible pruning to let more light through.

Has anyone done something similar?

ChristaK · Feb 20, 2026 2:08 pm

SamanthaSS

We’re trying to improve shade around our pool area and are looking at light / selective tree trimming rather than removing anything.

Property is inner Brisbane, so we’re conscious of council rules and don’t want anything heavy-handed, just sensible pruning to let more light through.

Has anyone done something similar?

We’re in inner Brisbane too and went down the selective pruning path rather than removing anything. It made a bigger difference than we expected, especially once the arborist thinned the canopy instead of chopping branches off. More dappled light around the pool, less mess, and the trees stayed healthy. We made sure the arborist was familiar with BCC rules which helped keep everything above board, especially with protected trees. Definitely felt like a good middle ground.