August
23
I need to plant a sound barrier, what evergreen should I use?
Author: admin Category: 5
My house and property sits next to a pretty busy road. I want to plant something that will look nice, but also be thick enough to shield the house and yard from noise. I live in the Washington DC area. Does anyone have any recommendations on the type of evergreen that will grow fast at first, but then can be trimmed or maintained to protect from unwanted noises and sights?
I would plant Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’. It will pretty much do everything that you said. It has a Christmas tree shape and gets quite large, but should never need to be pruned in order to stay thick all the way to the ground. Avoid Leyland Cypresses because they are starting to get a bad fungal disease in wet humid areas like DC.
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August 23rd, 2009
leyland cyprus is fast growing and makes an excellent sound barrier
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August 23rd, 2009
White Pines work pretty well with the added bonus of using cuttings at Christmas for decorating and they smell great!
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August 23rd, 2009
Thuja, "Green Giant" will be a good choice. Check out Wayside Gardens on the net, request a catalog.
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Personal experience with the Thuja and also with Wayside Gardens.
August 23rd, 2009
I have read somewhere that it takes about 3 feet of thick greenery to reduce noise by 10 decibels, so don’t expect miracles from a hedge! There should be lots of conifers available in your garden centre, you really need to check them out there - lots of different colours of foliage, etc. Look for quick growing ones that don’t have a huge final height - or the pruning may take over your life.
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August 23rd, 2009
I would plant Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’. It will pretty much do everything that you said. It has a Christmas tree shape and gets quite large, but should never need to be pruned in order to stay thick all the way to the ground. Avoid Leyland Cypresses because they are starting to get a bad fungal disease in wet humid areas like DC.
References :
August 23rd, 2009
Yew trees. They can grow quite tall if you let them and if you plant them in 2 staggered rows they will be an even more effective sound barrier. If you go to get whatever plant, if you go to a small local nursery, be sure and ask for a discount if you are purchasing a lot.
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August 23rd, 2009
Northern white Cedar (Arborvitae) is easy to grow and takes well to pruning. You’ll want to make sure they get watered well since they are a wetland tree in their natural setting. They are also pretty affordable.
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Landscaper, Master Gardener