Plant-Based Soundproofing: Reducing Traffic Noise Through Landscape Design
How It Works: Sound Absorption
The most common way to soundproof a landscape on a larger scale is to use plants to absorb the sounds and vibrations from the outside world. Sound, according to Maureen Gilmer with the Landscaping Network, is absorbed by every part of a plant, from its leaves to its branches. Therefore, plants with lots of branches and broader leaves absorb the most sound, dispersing vibrations throughout the makeshift sound barrier.
Methods
Evergreens
When forming a landscaped sound barrier, you’ll want to use plants that are evergreen, such as these Florida-natives:
- Azaleas
- Cape jasmine
- Tropical Hibiscus
- Cape honeysuckle
- Bay laurel
- Saw palmetto
- Cherry laurel
- Camellias
- Jungle Geranium
- Bougainvillea
Be sure to do research before choosing your evergreens as Florida’s climate is challenging; for example, North Florida deals with cold winters while South Florida has a more tropical climate.
Berms
Many landscapers use berms, or mounds of natural or man-made earth, to help mask the noises of traffic. In order for a berm to be effective, it needs to be longer and taller than the noise source itself. Planting thicker grass and shrubbery on the berm will enhance the sound-absorbing effects.
Layering
Layering is a tried and true method in landscaping, as it enhances both the aesthetics of the space and protects against street noise. Shrubbery, for example, can be used in short, medium, and tall layers throughout the space to act as a passive sound barrier.
Spacing and height also play major roles in layering your landscape. The ideal plant-based sound barrier will include shrubs and trees that are close together, creating a “wall” that fills the gaps between landscape and road.
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