Landscaping
and Fencing to Block Unwanted Noise
Sometimes
it can be wise to use landscaping and fencing to reduce noise
from disturbing your sleep, especially noise from traffic.
For fencing, the key to effective noise buffering is to use
heavy, thick materials. Brick is ideal, but expensive. A continuous-paneled,
pressure-treated wood fence at least six feet tall can be
effective, especially when it is double paneled and uses tongue-in-groove
assembly to avoid spaces between panels.
For landscaping, using vines to grow on and cover the fence
will provide an added sound-deadening layer. Then a hedge
of tall shrubs can be planted in front and / or behind the
fence for an additional sound barrier.
Deciduous shrubs with thick leaves tend to perform best as
a noise barrier, however, they provide no noise protection
in the winter when they have no leaves. Therefore, it's best
to mix deciduous and evergreen shrubs to ensure a year-round
noise buffer.
See how landscaping and fencing compare to other noise solutions
in the comparison grid.