How to Plant Trees to Stop Noise Pollution

Tree Selection

• 1

  Plant more than one type of tree in the buffer zone, preferably trees with dense foliage. A variety of leaf textures reduces noise more effectively than a single type of tree.

• 2

  Choose coniferous trees if you live in the northern United States where deciduous trees remain leafless throughout the winter. Needle-bearing trees continue to block noise year-round.

• 3

  Select trees that are hardy in an urban setting and can withstand exposure to the pollutants in automobile exhaust.

• 4

  Plant trees that can tolerate road salt and deicing solutions in northern states.

Planning the Buffer Zone

• 5

  Select a site for the buffer zone closer to the source of the noise pollution and as far from the house as possible. Plant a buffer zone of trees close to the edge of the property adjacent to the noise.

• 6

  Plant a buffer zone 20 to 50 feet wide along roads with moderate traffic that moves less than 40 miles per hour. Plant the edge closest to the road no more than 20 to 50 feet off from the center nearest lane.

• 7

  Plant the edge of the buffer 50 to 80 feet from the center of the nearest lane along roads with a speed limit greater than 40 miles per hour. Increase the buffer of trees planted to 65 to 100 feet wide.

• 8

  Make the length of the buffer twice the distance between the source of the noise and the area that requires noise reduction. For example, if the edge of your property is 50 feet from the road, plant a buffer that is 100 feet long.

Spacing

• 9

  Plant trees as close together as possible, but leave enough space to allow for healthy growth and development.

• 10

  Plant trees parallel to the source of the noise, and extend the line of trees an equal distance in each direction.

• 11

  Allow room between the trees and the road for snow accumulation from plows and drifting if you live in a snowy region.