Fast-Growing Noise Buffers for Privacy

Evergreen Shrubs

• Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandiii) is the one of the most widely planted shrubs for privacy screens on sunny sites. It can grow at a fast rate to 35 or more feet tall but can be kept to one-half that height with annual pruning. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 6 throuh 10a and is tolerant of almost every soil type. If the site is shady, then thorny elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens) is an option. The shrub grows vigorously to 10 to 15 feet within a few years and adapts to almost any soil type. It has grayish foliage with red berries in summer and is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9. Thorny elaeagnus has become an invasive species in some areas, however. So check with your area's Cooperative Extension Service office to learn whether or not it is safe to plant in your yard.

Evergreen Vines

• Many evergreen vines grow faster than even the most quick-to-establish shrubs and have the added advantage of occupying a very narrow vertical space. They are of no help unless trained to a fence, trellis or other support structure, however. Cross vine or trumpet vine (Bignonia capreolata, Doxantha capreolata), for example, grows voraciously in full sun or partial shade, in a short time completely covering any structure provided to support it. Hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, it performs best in rich, well-drained soil and has 2-inch-long, orange, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds. Another option is English ivy (Hedera helix), which is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and does best in full shade or partial sun. It grows rampantly into a dense screen but requires regular maintenance to keep from getting out of hand and becoming invasive.

Bamboo

• Bamboo, a member of the grass family (Poaceae) and in about 70 genera, can be purchased and planted in a size that provides an instant screen for noise and privacy. The spreading types of bamboo can be allowed to sprawl to a wide swath for enhanced noise buffering, but they need a barrier at some point to prevent them from invading areas where they are not desired. Clumping bamboo species stay confined to neat, individual clumps with a very dense growth habit that results in an effective visual barrier. The rustle of bamboo leaves is particularly effective in drowning other noises. Almost all bamboo species grow in sites that receive either full sun or shade, and the plants perform best with rich soil and regular moisture.

Establishment and Effectiveness Enhancement

• The ability of fast-growing evergreen plants to provide noise protection is enhanced greatly if they are used in conjunction with a concrete wall or wooden fence. Planting them on top of an earthen berm also creates a highly effective noise barrier. Another factor to consider is that all plants grow faster if they are fertilized and irrigated regularly. Provide your plants with water at least once per week, and fertilize them every four to six weeks during the growing season to help them grow quickly into an effective privacy and noise screen. A total of 4 pounds of all-purpose fertilizer per year is sufficient to stimulate fast growth in hedge plantings.