Trees for Sound Barriers

Chinese Juniper

• Chinese juniper grows as a ground cover, a shrub and a tree -- the tree form is best for a sound barrier. It is an evergreen, coniferous, fast-growing tree that upon reaching maturity, averages 50 to 70 feet tall. It grows in a conical shape and has densely packed foliage, which enables the plant to absorb sound.

  These trees spread only about 20 feet wide, so when using them as sound barriers, it is best to plant several trees in a row. Some cultivators of the tree have a pungent, slightly unpleasant smell. To flourish, they require full sunlight. The first year after planting, you should water the tree regularly and is it ages it can adapt to drier soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 (lows to -40 F).

Eastern Arborvitae

• Also known as the American arborvitae or white cedar, this tree is another coniferous evergreen tree with densely packed foliage. There are several cultivators of this tree, which normally averages 40 to 50 feet in height and is pyramidal in shape. When the tree is young, its foliage is needle-like but as it ages, the foliage flattens out and becomes scale-like. The tree does best when planted in full sun, though it will adapt to areas of partial shade and require moist, good-draining soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 8 (-50 F).

American Holly

• American holly is a broad leafed evergreen. The leaves are oval, have sharp-pointed edges, are dark green and have a waxy appearance. In addition to the green leaves, the tree also produces clusters of small white flowers and red berries. When full grown, the tree reaches about 50 feet tall. The branches are crooked and the top of the tree grows in the shape of a cone. American holly will do well in full sun or partial shade and is a drought-tolerant plant. Though it is an evergreen, it does occasionally drop leaves and since the leaves are sharp, may hurt if you walk on them.