Trees and Shrubs to reduce noise.

• Evergreen trees are some of the most effective noise barriers because they provide year-round coverage. Some of the best choices include:

  • Leyland Cypress (Fast-growing, dense foliage, reaches up to 50 feet tall)
    

    Leyland Cypress tree
  • Arborvitae (Many varieties, fast-growing, reaches up to 50 feet tall)
    

    Arborvitae tree
  • Eastern White Pine (Fast-growing, dense needles, reaches up to 80 feet tall)
    

    Eastern White Pine tree
  • Norway Spruce (Dense foliage, reaches up to 50 feet tall)
    

    Norway Spruce tree

     

• Broadleaf evergreen trees can also be effective noise barriers. Some good options include:

  • American Holly (Dense foliage, red berries, reaches up to 30 feet tall)
    

    American Holly tree
  • Cherry Laurel (Glossy leaves, reaches up to 20 feet tall)
    

    Cherry Laurel tree
  • Photinia (Red new growth, reaches up to 15 feet tall)
    

    Photinia tree

• Shrubs can be planted in front of trees or noise sources to provide additional noise reduction. Some effective noise-reducing shrubs include:

  • Boxwood (Dense foliage, many varieties, reaches up to 15 feet tall)
    

    Boxwood shrub
  • Privet (Fast-growing, dense foliage, reaches up to 10 feet tall)
    

    Privet shrub
  • Viburnum (Many varieties, flowers, reaches up to 15 feet tall)
    

    Viburnum shrub

Tips for Planting Trees and Shrubs for Noise Reduction:

• Plant trees and shrubs in a double row for more effective noise reduction.
• Plant trees and shrubs close together, but not so close that they crowd each other out.
• Choose trees and shrubs that are native to your area. They will be more likely to thrive and require less maintenance.
• Plant trees and shrubs on the side of your property where the noise is coming from.