One of the downsides of living in a town or city is that you rarely get peace and quiet, and part two in our series is all about helping reducing noise pollution in your urban garden, whether it’s from a car-clogged road, a busy high street or a nearby building site.
1. Screening
If you’re near a really busy road, then creating some sort of screening between the noise source and your home can be an effective way to reduce sound levels. Solid walls tend to rebound noise so try planting thick evergreen hedging or erect a fence and line with hedgerows, which will help to absorb the noise and to keep out dust and pollution. Staining the fencing with a natural coloured wood stain [such as Ronseal’s Woodland Trust Colours, which offers a wide selection of shades from Willow green to Honeysuckle and an array of blues] will keep your garden looking beautiful and more natural.
2. Hedging
If fencing is too imposing for your space, try erecting some light trellising and planting hedging up against it, which will also act as a great wind break. Again the thick foliage will help to reduce noise and make it look even more attractive and even if it only softens the noise level incrementally, you’ll be surprised what a difference it will make to your overall wellbeing. Make sure you protect any trellis work to keep it looking great with a hard wearing wood preserver which will waterproof and protect against weather damage.
3. Garden appeal
An alternative strategy to overcome unwanted noise is to create competing 'white noise' by covering up the undesired sound with something more appealing. This is easier than it sounds, and can be achieved by incorporating a water feature or hanging some wind chimes to distract from the unpleasant sound – much more calming and relaxing than revving car engines!
4. Add density
Thick planting using dense trees filled in with thick shrubbery around the tree trunks can create a sound-absorbing buffer zone of green and it’s great for the environment too. Although space will limit the scope to plant larger trees such as Oaks and Beeches, due to the eventual size of their roots, Rowan, Hawthorn, Field Maple and Silver Birch are all examples of small native trees that cultivate well. All of these species are hardy, they grow in most conditions. And, if you’re really limited for space, then consider trees in wooden pots or planters. This will be less effective, but will have some effect - while having the added benefit of looking great.
For more information visit www.ronseal.co.uk or www.WoodlandTrust.org.uk/Ronseal.
