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Tranquillity in gardens is such a welcome break from the daily grind, but noise pollution can ruin the vibe. Studies show just how much it can affect both our mental and physical well-being. So, finding ways to cut down on this nuisance is more important than it might first seem. Here are a few ideas you can implement to keep your outdoor retreat peaceful, along with considerations.
How to Reduce Traffic Noise in Your Garden
These ideas will be particularly effective if you live near busy roads or highways:
Garden wall made of bricks
The density and mass of the bricks help block unwanted sounds. When built to the right height and thickness, they make for solid barriers. The downside, though, is that brick walls can be pricey. You might also need planning permission, especially if the wall is over a certain height or near a road.
Walls over 2 metres high often need permission, or if it’s next to a highway, the limit is usually 1 metre. We recommend checking with your local council before getting started.
Metal soundproof fencing
Metal soundproof fencing is great for both security and noise reduction in gardens. Steel, for one, might not look as attractive as bricks, but it’s brilliant at blocking out noise and often much cheaper. The solid, heavy nature of metal also helps cut down on unwanted sound. You can use it on its own or add it to an existing fence for better insulation.
Tip: When picking, go for corrugated steel or a similar metal, as the quality is excellent. It’s resistant to corrosion and water, so it lasts longer.
Soundproofed timber fence
This is a more budget-friendly and effective option. Dense woods are best since their mass helps block sound. Good choices include cedar, redwood, Douglas fir, oak, and pressure-treated pine. Whatever wood you go for, make sure the panels are thick and tightly fitted to get the best soundproofing.
Acoustic fences
Acoustic fences are becoming more popular for their excellent noise-blocking abilities. Made with thicker, denser tongue-and-groove timbers, they’re designed to block sound effectively. While they can cost more upfront, they’re still a cheaper and more attractive alternative to brick walls.
How to Reduce Noise from Neighbour’s Garden
If you’re not near main roads but live close to your neighbours, here are some options to consider:
Garden trellis
A trellis arch with planters not only looks good but also helps filter out noise fumes and adds a bit of privacy to your garden. Plant vines like jasmine, honeysuckle, or clematis on the trellis for better presentation, seclusion, and noise screen. Consider layering different plant types for extra coverage.
Tip: Position the trellis along your garden’s boundary. Extend the height with additional panels for better privacy and noise reduction coverage.
Shrubs around your backyard
Planting shrubs like hollies and junipers is a great way to cut down on noise in your garden. Their thick branches at ground level are effective, especially once they’re fully grown.
For extra coverage, plant them in multiple rows. Just remember, shrubs aren’t a quick fix—they take time to establish. But once they do, they’ll give you privacy and a noise barrier.
Introduce water features
What we like about water features is that they’re soothing to the ears, helping to block out unwanted noise and creating a calm atmosphere in your garden. A small, free-standing fountain works well, but a birdbath or pond with a waterfall is also a great choice, especially if you want to attract wildlife like birds and frogs.
Position the water feature near your seating area or house, depending on where the noise is coming from. Place a garden bench nearby, and you’ll have a perfect spot to relax, read, or just enjoy the beauty of your garden.
Garden Noise Cancelling Considerations
You now have an idea of how to add a noise barrier to your garden with a wall, fence, or foliage. But there are a few other things to consider, like height, length, density, coverage, and placement.
Height and length
The higher the barrier, the better it’ll be at blocking noise. Closing the line of sight is a good place to start, but the taller the barrier, the more effective it will be. For instance, a fence that’s at least two metres tall is much less likely to let sound pass over it than one that’s just a metre high or lower. Any taller than two metres and you would require planning permission.
Density
You might think the denser the barrier, the better it’ll block noise, but it’s not always that simple. A material’s density can make it rigid, which might actually leave gaps where sound can sneak through. If you live near a busy street, it’s worth investing in a thicker, denser solution, combined with the right height and length.
Coverage
Sound can slip through even the smallest gaps or cracks, so it’s important to make sure there are no openings where sound can get through. Don’t overlook even the tiniest holes, as they could make the barrier less effective.
Placement
Barrier placement is key to how effective it is. The closer the barrier is to the source of noise, the better it will reduce sound. Another good spot is along the perimeter boundary, especially if there’s already some sort of structure there. Depending on the layout of your garden and the land’s elevation, you might also want to consider adding secondary barriers.
Round-up
Garden walls made of brick, metal soundproof fencing, soundproof timber fences, and acoustic fences are excellent for reducing traffic noise in your garden. Garden trellises, shrubs, and water features are also great if you live close to your neighbours.
Once you’ve blocked out the noise, you’ll enjoy more privacy and tranquillity in your garden. Then, you can make the most of it by adding a garden building. For storage, a wooden shed is a solid choice. If you’re after something portable, a Sunjoy gazebo is always a good option.
More tips? Read this guide next: The Ultimate List of Garden Screening Ideas
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