We could all use some peace and quiet. Here are six ways to pipe down the traffic noise in your backyard.
Vrooooooommm!
Wee-ooo-wee-ooo-wee-ooo!
SKRRRRRRRRRRT!
Ah, the sounds of the city. Nothing says serenity like the shrill of sirens and the constant rush of people driving way too fast on the highway. If only there were a way to put an end to unwanted disturbances while you’re trying to find some peace and quiet in your backyard. Thankfully enough, there are a few foolproof ways to combat the din of civilization. Here, we’ll go over some different options to help you reduce traffic noise in your backyard.
If only there were a way to put an end to unwanted disturbances while you’re trying to find some peace and quiet in your backyard. Thankfully enough, there are a few foolproof ways to combat the din of civilization.
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1. Hedges and vegetation
Probably the best way to create a barrier to reduce traffic noise in your backyard and comply with city building codes is planting hedges and additional vegetation. Hedges aren’t commonly subject to height limitations and can provide a great sound barrier between your yard and busy streets when planned correctly. Not only will hedges and trees reduce noise, but they’re also an excellent technique to give your backyard some more privacy. We know the prospect of new plants is always exciting, but be sure to talk to a landscaper about choosing the right greenery for your situation, space, and climate before you start planting!
2. deck
Aside from vegetation, there are some other aspects of landscape design that can help you reduce traffic noise in your backyard. It’ll take some time, money, and effort, but building a deck can go a long way in reducing the traffic noise you’re dealing with, whether you’re entertaining guests or just enjoying a book outside. Building a deck is also a great way to build equity and increase your home’s value.
3. Privacy wall
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned brick wall to block unwanted traffic noise and nosy neighbors from invading your space. Brick walls give you a lot of freedom when it comes to where and how high you want to build, plus they’re the perfect density for blocking vibrations and don’t have gaps for sound to leak through. But while brick walls can reduce unwanted traffic noise by up to 50%, they’re also costly, take a lot of time and effort to install, and aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing, although they’d make for a sick place to run a game of wall ball. If you’re in a neighborhood with height restrictions and regulations on what you can build in your backyard, you may opt for something a little less conspicuous.
4. Acoustic fence
Enter the acoustic fence! Acoustic fences have the same noise-blocking ability of the brick wall at almost half the price! Not to mention, they can be a lot better to look at and are available in many different styles and colors. They’re easy to install and will blend right in any neighborhood you live in with that classic suburban look. You can’t go quite as high with an acoustic fence as you can with a privacy wall, but you’ll still achieve a level of peacefulness.
5. Water features
Sometimes the best way to combat unwanted noise is with a little wanted noise of your own, especially when high walls and fences aren’t an option. Sound barriers are great, but let’s be real, it’s impossible to block out ALL the noise of the city. In this case, you should start thinking competitively and attempt to create your own white noise to counter the traffic noise. Water features like fountains, a pool, waterfalls, and streams in your yard can create a soothing source of white noise that drowns out unwanted sounds. No pun intended.
6. Sheds
A well-placed shed can be a superb sound blocker while also adding some extra pizazz and storage to your backyard. If you know there’s an acoustic corridor in your backyard, such as an opening in a wall or a passageway leading into your garden, a shed could be the perfect solution to stop those sound waves from getting any further. Still not quiet enough? You can also soundproof the shed to double down on your noise-reducing tactics!
Traffic noise can be a lot to deal with. Your backyard is supposed to be a place you can retreat to for relaxation, and traffic noise can get in the way of that. But you don’t have to let it win! Any one of the techniques listed above can help you fight back against traffic noise, but a comprehensive landscaping strategy that includes vegetation, creative landscaping and design, and some soothing white noise is your best bet at turning a backyard that usually sounds like a NASCAR race into a peaceful sanctuary.
Do you know of any noise reduction techniques that we missed? We want to know! Tell us on social media!
