It’s a sunny Saturday morning and you’re looking out your bedroom window, but instead of seeing the beautiful scenery in front of you, all you see is cars. You hear honking horns and screeching tires from every direction. You feel trapped inside your own house because it seems like there is no escape from this relentless noise that has invaded your backyard! This blog post will give you some tips for reducing traffic noise in your backyard so that you can enjoy peace and quiet once again.
It’s not always possible to block all noise from your yard, but sound barriers can significantly reduce the amount of noise you hear. A solid wood fence is often enough for blocking out some sounds while a brick wall will provide more protection against outside noises.
Highway and Road Noise
Noise pollution is a problem that we live with daily in the modern world. A number of different methods can help us keep it at bay, including sound-absorbing materials and noise-canceling devices to block out unwanted sounds from our home or yard – but there’s more!
At first glance you might think what I’m going for here are just nice little tweaks on how to control your environment by blocking all outside noises without having any effect on those natural ones such as birdsong in nature reserves. But this isn’t true.
Outside noises affect the natural environment – and this is something we hear less of. Noise pollution in the suburbs can be just as damaging for wildlife as traffic noise along roads, with a number of different reports showing how animals such as birds are constantly on edge due to an accumulation of outside sound that they would otherwise not have been exposed to if humans weren’t around.
This is not just about how to reduce traffic noise in my backyard, but it’s also about the effects of humans on nature. And we couldn’t forget this!
Fountain to Drown Out the Noise
It may seem counterintuitive to create more noise when you’re trying to escape the loud sounds of traffic just outside your home. But, it’s important to remember that humans are wired for sound so even a subtle background noise like running water can do wonders in creating desired and relaxing environment.
If you live near a road with traffic noise, installing your own fountain is an excellent way to reduce the levels of sound pollution from outside sources coming into your home or workspace – as well as being a wonderful focal point for those who just want some peace and quiet.
There are many types of fountains to choose from, but the easiest is a tabletop fountain that can occupy any level surface indoors or out. If you prefer something more permanent and larger, there’s also an outdoor wall fountain made for just this purpose. For those who want their own in-ground water feature with noise reduction on the side, this is also possible with a pump and something like an old tire to keep the water in.
However you go about it, there are plenty of ways to reduce noise pollution by installing your own fountain that can be enjoyed for years to come. And best of all? It’s one small gesture towards creating a more balanced environment where everyone can enjoy peace and quiet.
Add Vegetation to Absorb Sound
While a tree may not be the best at absorbing sound it does give an out of sight out of mind effect on the brain. However, that doesn’t stand for all vegetation that can help like thick shrubs and tall grass. These types of plants can help to soften the sound and make it a less harsh experience for those around you who are not as tolerant of noise pollution.
Install Road Noise Barrier
To reduce the noise dramatically you will want to install a noise-reducing barrier. These will help to cushion the sound and block it from reaching your backyard. What’s more, you can install them at a low cost by using materials that you may already have around the house such as wood or PVC pipes.
Below we will show you what the perfect noise reducing barrier will consist of and then move onto some excellent choices.
Height of the Barrier
For a noise barrier to be most effective, it needs to extend at least six feet above the ground. It can also work if it’s less than that but ideally, you want something higher so that your yard is protected. Remember too that any taller barriers will need some type of support which may require more materials like wood or steel beams.
Density
The density of the barrier is also important. For example, if you want to have something that will block out 100% of sound then use a solid material like wood or steel but these can be expensive and not always realistic for homeowners on a budget.
Coverage
The coverage area of the barrier is important as well. If you want to block out all sound then a solid material would work best but if you’re only looking for something that will cover your back yard, then cheaper or more flexible materials like plastic might be better suited. Any gaps in your barrier will allow sound to escape into your backyard.
Proximity to the sound
The proximity of the barrier to the sound is also important. For example, if you want something that will block out all traffic on your street then installing a solid wall would work well but if you’re only trying to reduce noise in your yard and don’t mind some background noise from other sources like neighbors or passing cars then using cheaper materials such as a fence or plastic might be better suited.
Proximity to your backyard
The closer the noise is to your backyard the more robust of sound barrier you will need to use.
Best Noise Reduction Fence
Below we will take a look at some options you have and how they fair with helping reduce traffic noise in your backyard.
Brick walls
Brick walls are a great way to reduce noise because they help stop sound waves. They come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the size of your backyard so it’s easy to find one that will fit perfectly for you. The downside is brick walls can be expensive if done professionally but by building them yourself, costs can be reduced significantly.
Modular walls and fences
Modular walls and fences are a great choice because they can be customized to fit in any backyard. They come with many different options for styles, heights, materials, colors and more so you should be able to find one that fits your needs perfectly.
Brushwood fences
Brushwood fences are another great option to reduce noise. They sound like a solid wood fence but they’re actually made of wooden slats with leaves and branches woven between the gaps, giving them their name. This type of fence is fairly inexpensive because it’s easy to build yourself or you can buy one pre-made for about $600.
Hedges
Hedges are usually planted in a row or close together and can range from six inches to two feet tall. By planting hedges near your property line, will provide natural soundproofing for you because they absorb the noise before it reaches your house.
Timber fences
Timber fences are an excellent option for both privacy and noise reduction. They can be quite expensive to build, but they’re worth it because timber is a natural sound barrier that will keep your home nice and quiet while still providing the protection of a fence.
Metal fencing
Metal fencing is also an option for soundproofing purposes. A metal fence is often a more costly investment, but they’re worth it because metal fences can be up to six times quieter than brick walls and will reduce the noise level by about 75%.