Trees for Privacy & Noise Reduction

Trees can provide a living screen that reduces noise pollution.

A U.S. Department of Energy Study shows that a privacy screen of trees can reduce noise pollution by 50 percent. Certain types of trees are more useful for privacy screening and noise cancellation than others.

Types

Privacy hedges are typically evergreens, since these types of plants do not lose their foliage. Evergreen screens may be planted close enough so their margins touch, which creates a living wall. Boxwood and arborvitae are two examples of plants with these characteristics.

Benefits

Plants for screens typically have rapid growth and mature at shoulder height. The type of plant chosen will depend on the area in which they thrive. Italian cypress is a popular choice for zones 7 through 11 but will not grow in northern climates. Red pine grows well up to zone 2.

Theories/Speculation

Some landscaping experts say that greenery's ability to block noise is all in the ear of the beholder. In other words, the screen does not actually reduce noise, but because the viewer cannot see the source of the noise, she thinks it is quieter. Taller shrubs and trees such as pines can create this effect.

References

• Colorado Trees: Benefits of Trees In Urban Areas
• University of Tennesee Extension: Evergreen Trees for Screens and Hedges in the Landscape
• Colorado State University Extension: Hedges for Landscapes
• This Old House: Yard Noise Reduction

Resources

• North Dakota State University Extension: Questions on: Evergreens