Traffic Noise Barrier: Solid Walls Work, Plants Don't; Privacy Patio Tips

Question: 4-lane road approved beside home (2-lane already noisy). Best trees/shrubs for noise? Also want small private yard within large yard.

Answer: Plants Barely Reduce Noise—Build Solid Wall/Berm; Add White Noise for Privacy

Sound attenuation: distance best. Walls (concrete, earth berms, solid fences) reflect/absorb. Products: Soundfighter, Tufbarrier (commercial, adaptable). DIY: concrete, berms, solid fence.

Plants only soften walls—minor decibel difference between pines, shrubs, heavy plantings.

Check local fence/landscape ordinances. Consult local designer/LA for placement.

Privacy patio: add white noise (fountain, wind chimes). Search "patio landscape design" or "landscape design privacy" on Google. See past answers for design sites (landscaping.about.com, HGTV.com).

—Marc