- Why landscape for noise reduction?<\/a><\/li>
- How to reduce noise with landscaping<\/a><\/li>
- Control the source or cover it up<\/a><\/li>
- Hire a professional<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Why landscape for noise reduction?<\/span><\/h2>
Human brains have evolved to pick up on noise as a method of defense. The Hearing Health Foundation notes that sudden sounds can trigger your body\u2019s stress reaction<\/a>. If the sound is unpleasant, your brain learns to involuntarily release cortisol in reaction to a sound over time. <\/p>
Cortisol is the body\u2019s primary stress hormone, so more of it is not ideal for your sense of well-being. Too much stress is related to many health issues like cardiovascular disease, poor sleep, and a decrease in your overall quality of life. <\/p>
Outdoor noise is inescapable, but depending on where you live, noise can be more concentrated or direct. Think of anything from whirring air conditioners to a busy pool deck surrounding your backyard. <\/p>
You could put on a pair of earplugs every time you step outside, but that would block out pleasant sounds, such as birds and babbling brooks. We\u2019ll dive into different ways your landscaping reduces noise pollution and, therefore, the stress of unwanted sounds in the backyard. <\/p>
How to reduce noise with landscaping<\/span><\/h2>
Fences<\/span><\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/jg-646x363.jpg\")
Krassotkin<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Fences<\/a> are often lumped into aesthetic beauty in landscaping, but they serve many other purposes, such as security, privacy, and pest control. <\/p>
The right fence will block out nuisance noises, too. In fact, some fences are specially designed for that purpose. Acoustic fences are a prime example of a fence style created to protect inhabitants from noise pollution.<\/p>
But beyond acoustic fences, there are other standard options to consider. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the fence, the better it is at blocking out sound<\/strong>. These fence options are excellent choices for reducing unwanted sound waves. <\/p>
When choosing fencing materials, make sure they\u2019re solid with no gaps or spaces to not only maximize your sense of privacy but also act as a solid sound barrier. Material options include: <\/p>
- Solid red cedar <\/li>
- Stone wall or masonry wall<\/li>
- Concrete<\/li>
- Stucco<\/li>
- Composite <\/li>
- Vinyl <\/li><\/ul>
Pergolas<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Bluestone](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_5268054360_37622a0b9e_k-646x433.jpg\")
Field Outdoor Spaces<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> These tasteful landscape features are standing structures typically made of wood or other composite materials. They look similar to the frame of a tent with an exposed roof and sides. Pergolas absorb some of the impacts of sound. Apply sound-absorbing tiles to your pergola for extra protection against noise pollution. <\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>Pergolas<\/a> are commonly sold alongside fences and sometimes even customized to match your fence style. <\/p>
Sound-reducing plants<\/span><\/h3>
![\"american](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/holly-leaf-red-flower-plant-american-holly-1615379-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Certain vines, trees, and shrubs have a natural dampening effect on noise due to their soft surface that absorbs sound waves. Whether it\u2019s their height or the natural white noise leaves produce in the breeze, landscaping for noise reduction involves careful consideration of the vegetation you plant in your outdoor space. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Plant various trees and shrubs to create a forested area. Thick vegetation that grows tall, is low maintenance, and is evergreen will be your best bet in eliminating noise. While not all evergreens are low maintenance, when treated properly, they maintain green foliage all year long\u2013\u2013 even during periods of harsh weather. <\/p>
Consider these tree species to help improve the noise problem in your space: <\/p>
- American holly tree<\/li>
- Arborvitae tree<\/li>
- Spruce tree<\/li>
- Pine tree <\/li><\/ul>
It\u2019s not just trees that deaden unwanted noise. Plants with thick bark and bushy leaves will effectively reduce noise or spread the sound waves around, resulting in a quieter home. These are the best plants when it comes to lowering nuisance sounds from a busy street to a loud voice: <\/p>
- Laurel (hedge)<\/li>
- Boxwoods (hedge)<\/li>
- Viburnum (flowering shrubs)<\/li>
- Ivy (the vines grow on walls and offer an additional layer of sound-dampening) <\/li><\/ul>
Once you know what to plant, you\u2019ll need to know the correct way to grow them. Some important planting tips to keep in mind are: <\/p>
- Plant your trees close to the source of the noise<\/li>
- Plant your trees and shrubs close together or in rows to double up on the thickness of the barrier<\/li><\/ul>
Note: <\/strong>If the noise is close to your home or other buildings, be mindful about planting trees and shrubs that grow very tall. The last thing you\u2019d want is extreme weather knocking them over onto structures on your or your neighbor\u2019s property. <\/p>
Berms<\/span><\/h3>
As an alternative to a noise-reducing fence, berms are a reliable option that decrease unwanted sounds without installing hardscape features, like fences and pergolas. Simply put, a berm is an elevated, compacted-soil barrier. For homeowners trying to incorporate noise-canceling landscaping, building a berm along the length of where you\u2019re attempting to block sound will limit the noise from coming into your property. <\/p>
Planting noise-reducing vegetation in the berm will also help your noise problem. Make sure you use good soil to create a berm that\u2019s suitable for growing plants. <\/p>
Soundscaping elements <\/span><\/h3>
![\"water](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/water-architecture-sky-mansion-house-glass-1114892-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you can\u2019t remove it, try adding it. This means that if you\u2019re having trouble controlling the noise problem around your home, consider putting in features that cover the sound or cultivate a more pleasant soundscape<\/a>. <\/p>
Water features: <\/strong>This can be anything from a pond to a fountain in your outdoor living space. When you incorporate a water feature, especially one with a recirculating pump to continuously move the water, creating a constant, calming white noise. <\/p>
Play with the wind: <\/strong>Adding serene features like wind chimes makes the soundscape around your yard more pleasant. Choose large chimes with low vibrational tones that blend into white noise. Some other ways to use the wind when landscaping include: <\/p>
- Planting trees that rustle in the wind<\/li>
- Growing ornamental grass<\/a> that interacts with the breeze <\/li><\/ul>
Add an outdoor sound system: <\/strong>Another way to control what noise you hear in your yard is to install an outdoor sound system. Choose to play soothing music at low volumes to foster a sense of calm and keep your impact on noise pollution down to a minimum. <\/p>
Attract birds: <\/strong>The songs of birds are better than the low hum of cars off in the distance. Making your living space outside more bird-friendly<\/a> means installing bird feeders, birdhouses, bird baths, and bushes that produce berries. <\/p>
Control the source or cover it up<\/span><\/h2>
The ideal way to keep your outdoor living space peaceful is to figure out what\u2019s causing the sound and attempt to control it from there. If you\u2019re facing a noisy neighbor, this is simpler to do, but other sound-related issues might need a more involved intervention. <\/p>
This could look like petitioning for quieter road materials or lobbying to change your neighborhood’s speed limit. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, you can\u2019t always sway these decisions. <\/p>
Studies have shown that covering the source of the noise can also limit our perception of the sound. So consider planting your trees and hedges against a busy road. Out of sight, out of mind! <\/p>
Hire a professional<\/span><\/h2>
Fixing the noise problem in your lawn takes some hard work. If you\u2019re not feeling up to the DIY, try hiring a landsca<\/a>ping pro<\/a> to install your pergola, fence, or berm.\u00a0Did you know the healthier and denser your lawn is, the more noise it filters out? Proper mowing is part of a healthy lawn care routine. While you\u2019re learning about soundscaping and noise-reducing plants, leave the mowing to lawn care professionals<\/a>.<\/p>
- How to reduce noise with landscaping<\/a><\/li>