Sound Barrier
 

Hello we live next to a busy golf cart path and I was wondering if anyone out there could suggest the best hedge or vegetation to reduce the noise from the golf carts. We have a a concrete wall that covers the majority of the back yard leaving about 40’ exposed. We love the location but not the noise.

Thank you

I imagine anything put between you and the noise should help reduce it. Remember though, if plant or build anything on your property, you'll need the permission of the powers-that-be.

Along with getting approval, there have been a few threads on good and bad hedges, try searching for these or contacting master gardener for additional info. You will probably need to add irrigation for these plants, be sure to consider this in getting your estimates. Finally, you may ne able to use some sound deadening curtains if you have an inside application.

There are two that are widely used in this area -- podocarpus and ligustrum. I have both in different parts of my yard. They will grow as tall and as wide as you want them. My opinion: As far as "reducing" noise, I'm not sure any plant is going to make a noticeable difference.

Sound travels through the air by creating air pressure. So, hedges and/or vegetation will not do very much to reduce noise. You need a solid wall like concrete to reduce noise transmission.

I was thinking the same thing.
It might help, but not enough to go through the expense.

Is the noise noticeable when the windows are closed? If so, new impact glass windows can cut down the noise. Probably only needed on tnose windows facing the path and do cost 2 1/2-3X times more regular windows. Do not know of any shrubbery which would solve this problem.

:icon_wink: Would they be the same "powers-that-be" that we agreed should have those powers when we had our closing on house? You know, the ones we signed off on in writing. :)

Sooo It would be the "Powers-that-are" :pepper2:

I hope you didn't buy home without visiting the area first

Podocarpus can grow over 2 stories tall if not trimmed. A hassle and nothing will block noise from a bust street or golf cart path. Only a solid wall would block some of the noise. I used to live on a busy street behind my house.

First I hope you can deal with the issue, I read an article some time back about efforts to reduce traffic( interstate, expressways) noise using different approaches solid walls vegetation, unfortunately their conclusion was the only really effective solution was distance due to the radiant nature of sound energy

Hedges can reduce noise, here is a scientific paper which discusses this. The upshot is the greater the leaf area, the denser the leaf and the more total leaf area the better the noise blockage. Think of the hedge as a sieve, the fewer the holes, the slower the water gets through and the more directions the water flows.

Just a moment...

This article talks about using plants as a noise blocker: Noise Blocking Plants - Tips For Using Shrubs And Trees As A Noise Barrier

Perhaps a different thought. In our previous home we had all the windows replaced with double thick glass windows. We are not talking the common two paine, typical windows. It was the same but the glass was far thicker. It made the home far quieter. You might try doing only the wall facing the golf cart path.

Adding insulation to that wall, if possible, will also help. Bushes may help but will block your view-perhaps the reason why you chose that location.

We do not live on a golf cart path. As a kid we had elevated trains right outside my bedroom window perhaps the reason why nothing will wake me.