The first thing to consider when choosing a water feature is the location. Sound experts believe that placing a “barrier” either close to the noise or close to the receiver of the noise is best. Therefore, consider a location for your water feature that is close to where you want more peace and quiet in your backyard. You may find that you need more than one water feature.

The location of the water feature will help determine its size. You can either purchase a water fountain or build your own water fall.

When purchasing a fountain, choose one that will produce the most sound. You’ll want fast-moving water that splashes. Be careful of choosing one just for looks. All garden fountains will enhance the look of your backyard, but you want to also choose one for the sound it will make. Save the calming, trickling fountains for yards that are all ready quiet.

Building a water fall is easier than it sounds. You can find waterfall kits or be creative and purchase materials to build your own unique waterfall. As with a fountain, a water fall with fast-moving water that splashes will make the most sound. You can also use another technique: build “ledges” down the water stream. When water falls down over a ledge that sticks out, the hollow space underneath acts as an echo chamber and increases the sound of the falling water.

With the combination of water features and plants, you can still have a relaxing backyard regardless of the noise nearby.

By Shannon Mendez

The best strategy is to plant a row of tall evergreen trees and then a row of evergreen shrubs. According to Raymond Berendt et al. in Quieting: A Practical Guide to Noise Control, a “single layer of trees is worthless as a noise barrier. Due to inter-reflection, multi-rows of trees are more effective”. They recommend thick rows of evergreen trees with smaller evergreen shrubs and plantings underneath. Also be aware of the height of the trees. In Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, Leonard Hopper writes that you can reduce the noise level by 1.5 decibels with each additional 3 feet of tree height.

Some sound and gardening experts feel that trees and shrubs provide more of a psychological feeling of noise reduction. Again, if you’re like me and have a lot of traffic noise, you may be okay with your mind tricking you into feeling like your backyard is quieter—especially if you consider the additional benefits. Rows of trees, shrubs, and flowers not only reduce noise and provide a beautiful backyard; they also help block wind, provide shade, and absorb traffic pollution.

Some good plant choices for noise reduction:*

• Leyland Cypress
• Chinese Juniper
• Rocky Mountain Juniper
• Eastern Red Cedar
• Southern Magnolia
• Southern Magnolia
• Eastern White Pine
• Cherry Laurel
• Eastern Arborvitae

*Be sure to check which of these plants will work in your area.

By Shannon Mendez

You can use two strategies together to help create an oasis in your backyard: a barrier of plantings and one or more water features. The following two articles can help you achieve a quieter backyard:

Reducing Traffic Noise with Plants

Reducing Traffic Noise with Water Features