Evergreen Noise Barrier for Highway-Adjacent Yard

Best Evergreens for Noise Reduction Near a Highway

To dampen highway noise along a 6-foot wooden fence in Springfield, MO, plant a dense, multi-layered evergreen screen. Two excellent complementary species are:

Emerald Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald')

Narrow, pyramidal form; grows 12-15 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide. Plant 3 feet apart for a solid hedge. Tolerates clay soil and partial shade.

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Fast-growing, soft-needled pine reaching 50+ feet. Plant 10-15 feet apart behind the arborvitae row. Its dense, layered branches absorb high-frequency noise effectively.

Planting Strategy

Stagger rows for maximum density. Amend planting holes with compost. Water regularly for the first two years. A 6-foot solid fence combined with a 15-foot deep evergreen planting can reduce noise by 5-10 decibels.