
If you're looking to reduce noise pollution in your yard, planting trees and shrubs can be an effective solution. The right plants will have characteristics like fast growth, dense foliage, and evergreen leaves. In Australia, some of the best noise-blocking plants include the Begonia rex, which absorbs up to 97% of incident sound energy, and the peace lily, which has broad leaves that are excellent for diffusing and absorbing noise. Other effective noise barrier plants include spruce, poplar, beech, and cypress trees, as well as holly and arborvitae. These plants can provide privacy, improve the value of your property, and create a quieter, more visually appealing environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Trees, shrubs, hedges |
| Plant Species | Spruce, poplar, beech, arborvitae, privet, holly, pine, cypress, rhododendron, birch, yew, boxwood, mountain laurel, azalea, begonia rex, peace lily, bottlebrush, Nordmann fir, Caucasian fir |
| Plant Features | Thick foliage, broad leaves, dense branches, evergreen, fast-growing |
| Planting Technique | Plant perpendicular to noise source, mix species, use ground covers, plant on soil berms |
| Benefits | Noise reduction, privacy, improved property value, wind blockage, shade |
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Holly shrubs and trees
Holly bushes generally have waxy, green leaves, and some varieties have bright red berries in early spring or summer. Blue Prince Hollies and Steeds Hollies can grow up to 8 feet each and have broad leaves that effectively absorb noise. Castle Spire Blue Hollies can grow even taller, reaching up to 12 feet, making them excellent for filling in gaps between trees in your sound barrier.
If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Soft Touch Holly shrub grows black berries and matures to a height of 2 to 3 feet, perfect for those who want the gleaming green leaves of Hollies without the height. The Sky Pencil Holly is another option for those seeking a narrower hedge, and the best part is that it requires no pruning!
Holly shrubs are low maintenance and adaptable, thriving in partial shade and various soil types. They are perfect for those seeking a stylish ornamental plant that provides year-round greenery and an effective sound barrier.
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Leyland Cypress
Overall, Leyland Cypress is a versatile and attractive option for those seeking privacy and noise reduction. Its fast-growing nature, dense foliage, and tolerance to various conditions make it a popular choice for landscaping in Australia. With proper care and maintenance, Leyland Cypress can provide a beautiful and effective sound barrier for your outdoor space.
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Arborvitae
When selecting plants for noise reduction, it is essential to consider factors such as site, soil, light, and mature size. A combination of evergreen and deciduous plants can provide year-round noise reduction, and varying heights and plant species can further enhance the sound barrier's effectiveness.
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Spruce
When creating a sound barrier, it is important to consider the site, soil, light, and mature size of the plants. Spruce trees require lots of sunlight and thrive in cool, dry climates with moist soil. They grow best in USDA zones 3-8. They are also generally non-toxic to dogs, although the needles can cause issues if ingested in large quantities.
To maximise the sound-absorbing effect, it is recommended to plant a mix of different species. Tall plants such as birch, beech, and oak can provide noise distraction with their rustling leaves, while broadleaf plants like Rhododendron will also help to absorb sound. Low-growing plants should be placed closest to the noise source, with taller plants behind them. This will create an effective barrier that will also be an attractive feature.
In addition to spruce trees, other effective sound barrier plants include holly, yew, Leyland cypress, and arborvitae. These plants all have dense foliage and can be left to grow naturally or manicured into hedges.
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Australian natives
Native Australian plants can be an effective solution to noise problems. Native plants are always the best choice for your garden as they are more likely to survive and thrive in the local climate. Here are some Australian native plants that can help with noise reduction:
Lilly Pillies
Lilly Pillies are hardy plants that can thrive in hot and dry conditions. They are Australian natives and can be left to grow to their full size or pruned to the desired size. Just be mindful of psyllids, which can burrow into the leaves.
Bamboo
When using bamboo for noise reduction, it is essential to use a non-invasive species such as clumping bamboo. A dense growth of bamboo can act as an effective screen and improve noise reduction. Japanese hedge bamboo is a popular option as it is fairly hardy, easy to grow, and can resist harsh weather conditions.
Bottlebrush
The bottlebrush plant is from the Callistemon genus, making it a member of the myrtle family. It is endemic to Australia and can thrive in hot and dry climates. Bottlebrushes are long-lived, very hardy, and low-maintenance. They can grow in damp or dry ground.
Juniper
The common Juniper is an introduced species to Australia but can still thrive in the Australian climate. It is different from the Australian native juniper, which is not a juniper but a nickname for Boobialla. Mature junipers have dense, scale-like leaves that release a pungent aroma when crushed. They can tolerate frost and drought and are suitable for temperate climates.
Begonia Rex
Begonia rex plants absorb up to 97% of incident sound energy while adding a pop of vibrant colour to a small space. They prefer a humid environment but should not be overwatered.
Peace Lily
The broad leaves of the peace lily plant make it excellent for diffusing and absorbing noise. It also filters out toxins in the air and is easy to care for.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good sound barrier plants native to Australia are the bottlebrush plant, the Nordmann fir, and the Callistemon genus. Other good sound barrier plants include spruce, poplar, beech, and bamboo.
Some good sound barrier shrubs include holly, rhododendron, yew, boxwood, mountain laurel, and azalea.
Some good sound barrier trees include arborvitae, cypress, pine, birch, and oak.
Yes, it is important to consider the site, soil, light, and mature size of the plants. A combination of different plants tends to be more effective at blocking sound than a single species. It is also a good idea to plant on a soil berm, as this absorbs noise rather than simply blocking it.






































