I live in South NJ, and our backyard is about 200 feet away from a busy road. There's nothing in between, so the traffic noise can be quite bothersome. With young children who play outside, I'm looking for effective planting ideas that could help with privacy, noise pollution, and even air pollution. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
In addition to some plants, adding a water feature could help mask the noise. It creates a nice ambiance, and if you have some wind chimes or bird feeders, they can also distract from the traffic sounds!
While plants can help a bit, the most effective way to block noise is with a solid privacy fence or a block wall. If you're looking for sound reduction, I’d prioritize those options over relying only on plants, as they don't do much in terms of soundproofing. Just trying to manage expectations here!
Consider planting evergreen shrubs like arborvitae or false cypress just inside a wooden fence. They can enhance privacy over time and help a little with noise, but you’ll need to give them space to grow.
Totally agree! A lot of homes near busy roads use privacy fences, and they do make a noticeable difference.