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Question
I live in the Houston, Texas area and our house backs up to a road. I would like your suggestions on planting a natural noise barrier for my back fence.
Thanks
Here is a site that discusses the problem:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2044848_buy-noise-barriers.html
If you have the room, an earth berm or solid feature like a wall will diflet the sound much better than trees, shrubs, or vines.
Unfortunately, sound is a vibration, and leaves and twigs just don't do a good job of re-directing or attenuating this. The best is a wall and distance from the sound source. Adding plants is more for aesthetics that a noise cure.
If that is not practical, maybe you can add "white noise" in the form of a flowing fountain or wind-chimes. I have found that this type of masking helps in making the larger street noise less noticeable.
Again, sorry for being the bringer of unfortunate news. ~Marc
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Answers by Expert:
Marc Chapelle, RLA
Expertise
As a licensed Landscape Architect, I can answer general questions about style and design, ideas and suggestions for site amenities, larger site-planning issues, or recreation and park design. IF YOU ARE GOING TO ASK FOR A PLANT SUGGESTION GO HERE: http://www.growit.com/PlantInfo/LandScape.htm I prefer you ask somebody else why your petunias are not as perky as they should be...I'd LOVE to tell you how can use those petunias to increase your home's value!
Experience
20+ years of working with homeowners, contractors, developers and local civil engineering/architecture firms. I am located in the dry Great Basin area (Greater Nevada/Utah), so the use of landscape materials OTHER than plants is emphasized. As a licensed Landscape Architect I've worked on both the East and West Coasts.
Organizations
ASLA (ASLA.org)
Education/Credentials
BSLA in Landscape Architecture, 1989
Licensed in NV, CA, & VA - but can answer Q's across the country
Many additional seminars, educational venues, and classes (both taught & attended)
Awards and Honors
Best Multifamily project, 1993
Best Model Home Landscaping, 1993
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