How to Reduce Traffic Noise in Your Backyard - Redfin Blog%

How to reduce high tremor levels in the backyard of your property

-
Have you purchased a property on Main Road and are having trouble selling it? This will lower noise levels.

Excessive noise levels are unpleasant, to say the least, especially in your backyard. Your outdoor space should be a peaceful oasis where you and your family can relax and enjoy the great outdoors. However, whether it's traffic noise, construction, lawnmowers or neighborhood children playing in the street, disturbing sounds can find their way into your home.

Besides being annoying, studies show that excessive noise pollution can also affect a person's well-being. Noise pollution is linked to a number of health issues, including stress, poor concentration, hearing loss and irregular sleep patterns. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce outside noise and enjoy your backyard space with a renewed sense of calm.

Reduce traffic noise with walls and fences

Building a wall or high fence is one of the most effective ways to stop sound from entering your backyard. If you live in a particularly noisy area, near a freeway in downtown Chicago for example, you might consider a masonry wall, a modular wall, or an acoustic fence. However, if the sound levels in your neighborhood are minimal, you can choose a sturdy wooden fence instead.

When determining the type of blocking most suitable for your outdoor space, be sure to consider the following characteristics that shape the sound-blocking quality of these noise barriers:

Density: The denser the obstacle, the more intense and quieter the marking. Additionally, if your wall or fence is too flexible, it can also cause vibrations, creating an additional annoying sound.

Height: It is essential that the total height of the wall or fence be higher than the noise source. To block traffic noise, the obstacle should be at least two meters high.

Proper coverage: Ensuring that your sound barrier has no gaps is critical, as even the smallest space will allow sound waves to sneak.

Location: For maximum impact, the sound barrier should be built as close to the noise source as possible.

Add vegetation to the sound absorption

Hedges, bushes, trees and plants can go a long way in absorbing and also deflecting incoming sound. They are also the more aesthetic and affordable option. Of course, combining vegetation with a fence or high wall is the most effective method for maximum noise reduction.

If you decide to go with vegetation only, choosing a densely planted evergreen hedge is a great option. Broad-leaved evergreens will block sound waves in a way that narrow-leaved plants simply cannot. They will also be green all year round. Plants such as juniper with thick branches down to ground level are ideal as they have noise reducing qualities. In addition, wind-driven plants can create their own pleasant sounds and can help mask unwanted outside surroundings.

The vegetation also adds a charming atmosphere to your yard and can provide a home for all kinds of wildlife. The only real downside is the time it takes to grow to a size where their effect is noticeable.

Plan your landscape for noise reduction

It is not always possible to build a fence or a wall. If you can't consider these options, maybe you can think about digging down. Hiring landscaping to sink your outdoor spaces lower than the rest of the property can be just as effective at blocking traffic noise as building a wall. While creating height, a sunken area has the added benefit of sound-hearing soil.

If space is not an issue, but creating a sunken garden is not an option, consider creating a raised hill. A hill deflects sound waves just like a wall, but it is much easier on the eye and can be decorated with plants.

Create desirable sounds

Keep in mind that not all noise is bad. If your sound barrier isn't doing enough, consider adding desirable sounds. While this doesn't reduce the noise levels in your yard, it does help drown out the less attractive ones.

Carefully placed water features can help transform your space into your personal sanctuary. The sound of the water creates a pleasant white noise that is also relaxing and peaceful. The water feature does not need to be large to be effective. However, consider placing a fountain in an outdoor seating area, as it needs to be close to the listener for maximum effect.

You can also use music to distract from traffic noise. Installing outdoor rock speakers is a great option. They blend into your garden and are also great for entertaining. If it's not a priority for the speakers to fit into your space, there are a wide variety of other backyard speaker options on the market.

out of sight out of mind

A sound barrier not only physically reduces traffic noise, but also tricks the mind into thinking your backyard is quieter. Blocking the road from your line of sight helps reduce perceived noise levels and make a more inviting backyard retreat.