How to Use Plants & Trees as Sound Barriers
Trees and plants do more than beautify the landscape. They provide habitats for wildlife, create shade, reduce energy use and even absorb sound. Perhaps your home backs to a noisy traffic corridor. Planting a grouping of trees and shrubs between your house and the road will reduce the noise by muffling the sound. For a year-round sound barrier, plant evergreen trees. Augment them with shrubs for an attractive look, although the shrubs aren't as effective as trees in muffling sound. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Visit a local nursery or talk with a county extension expert for advice on trees that grow well in your area. If you'd prefer not to use evergreens, choose deciduous trees that are fast-growing, but strong, such as English oak, red maple and buckthorn.
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Call your local utility company to mark underground utility lines before you begin working. Don't plant trees underneath overhead utility lines, or within 5 feet of sidewalks, foundations and patios. The trees' roots will grow under the hard surfaces, causing them to crack.
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Plant trees and shrubs using a layered approach, rather than in a row for, a more aesthetically appealing look. Plant trees in the back, staggering them slightly, with shrubs in the front. Depending on your budget, plant them all at once or plant a few each year. Consider the mature height of each plant when spacing them.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider the height of your house when planting trees. Very tall trees overpower small homes, making them look even smaller. Choose trees that are in balance with your home.
Choose small, columnar evergreens. They'll muffle sound, but take up less yard space.
Use Lombardy poplar or silver maple cautiously, especially if you live in an area with severe winters or high winds. Both trees are known for weak wood and winter breakage.
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