Spring has arrived and you are looking forward to enjoying your backyard. But privacy can be scarce in the city, the suburbs and even the countryside, when the lots are tightly packed together. Here are some tips for reducing ambient noise so you can make the most of the fair weather.
1. Add a Water Feature
The most effective noise reduction solution is to add to your landscape a pond, fountain or textured water wall. The sound of the running water, when the motor in on, will create a background noise that will cover some of the surrounding commotion. Ideally, these water features should be located in as close proximity as possible to the relaxation area, such as near the hanging hammock or lounging area, for example.
2. Utilize the Pool’s Water Jets
If you have a pool, another trick to add the sound of bubbling water to your space is to reorient its water jets upwards. Or, if space permits, install a fountain that flows into your in-ground pool. Stainless steel models are very trendy.
3. Add a Green Wall
The more plants grow in tightly together, the more they absorb sound waves. This is why a green wall can be useful in the backyard. You can hang potted plants on vertical surfaces or completely cover a wall with moss and flowers.
4. Install Solid Fencing and Panels
If you live in an area where there is no restriction on the height of the fence around your property, build it so that it extends a few feet over your head (without compromising the harmony of your garden’s design). Choose a solid material like solid timber and don’t leave any spacing between the slats. This will have no impact on the sounds that are emitted for above the fence but will slightly attenuate those coming in from behind it. Some owners even install insulating wool behind their fence.
5. Invite the Birds In
The singing and chatter of our feathered friends are so soothing; they can make you forget the surrounding clatter. If you want more birds to visit your garden, you should provide shelter, such as leafy trees or a bird house. You can also attract them by adding feeders and baths.
6. Plant Trees
Mature, luxuriant trees rustle pleasantly in the breeze in addition to creating a sense of seclusion. Their presence will lessen the amount of outdoor noise generated from outside your home. Therefore, planting trees is perfect for insulating yourself against any racket. However, you will only be able to reap the rewards of this tip once the trees have grown tall after a few years. So, it’s a good idea to plan ahead!
7. Opt for a Ground Level Yard Instead of Going Up
Sound travels upwards, so it’s best to stay below the source of the decibels than above. Setting up the outdoor living area at deck height (by expanding it, for example) will mean that you will be more exposed to surrounding noise. In most cases, it is preferable to design your yard at ground level.
8. Increase the Number of Obstacles
Sound waves gradually weaken as they bounce around from object to object. Therefore, placing various objects around the backyard (shed, decorative partitions, green walls, etc.) to act as obstacles is a good idea.
9. Position the Shed Strategically
We usually place the shed in a corner because we don’t want it to stand out. And yet, this massive object has the power to increase privacy in the yard and to block off the din being emitted behind it. Have your back neighbours placed their eating area near the edge of your property line, right in the middle? Why not position your shed directly in front of it? The rest of the yard can then be designed around it. Indeed, stores offer many attractive shed models.
10. Purchase a White Noise Generator
Did you know that there are radios that emit noise mimicking the sound of a waterfall or a fan? Many people listen to these recordings to cut them off from the world in order to fall asleep. There are portable battery-powered models that are perfect for helping you take an outdoor nap.
As you can tell, there are no quick fixes. However, by following this advice, you might see a difference. We hope that you can enjoy your yard to the max this summer!