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Sound Cancelling Plants?

HelloFellowGardenersHelloFellowGardeners Posts: 18
in Problem solving
Has anyone tried to create a sound barrier using plants? One plant keeps coming up in my search. Bamboo! It's evergreen, quick growing, good for a narrow space and apparently if it's dense enough it can help to block sound. I've heard horror stories with bamboo. Is there a type that would meet these criteria that I could plant along my drive without it causing problems?
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  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    And of course lots of water is needed...far too many examples of folks not realising what thirsty plants they are. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    We love bamboos and have many different ones. They are gorgeous.
    However after many years they have decided to take advantage and are sending out runners all over the place.
    All our bamboos were deemed to non runners. No such thing. Once they start running then all hell takes over. Digging up the runners is no easy task.
    We still love them and still keep what we have but beware.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    'Noise cancelling' - it depends on the level of noise. If it's traffic on a busy road, plants of any kind won't prevent that. A forest will help, but not much less than that.

    Bamboo isn't suited to a narrow space unless it's a purpose built bed of decent volume, fully lined to prevent escapees, and has enough water to grow well. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I think you might be better off going with English yew.  It's evergreen, suited to the climate, can be clipped to height and width without risking its health and is wildlife friendly.   Cheaper than bamboo too.

    Have a read of this info from the RHS about hedges for various purposes including noise baffling - https://www.rhs.org.uk/press/releases/Hedge-your-bets-and-plant-a-natural-screen,-says-R  
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    We used to have a thick leylandii hedge in our previous home, it worked relatively well but I wouldn't call it cancelling. I love bamboos (I have two types of fargesia, no running), they generate their own pleasant noise but I don't think they would be nearly as effective a thick hedge.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    What type of noise are you trying to eliminate and how wide and long is the space you have available for planting?
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited August 2020
    Miscanthus would be a good alternative to bamboo, it's even denser, not anywhere near as invasive, and some varieties are quite high (2.5m). There are a range of heights, habits, different flowers, and different foliage types from fine to bold, so you could have a beautiful border just with Miscanthus. Only downside is they're deciduous, but you could leave the stems standing all winter, which just leaves a gap in spring to early summer.

    That isn't going to fit in a 'narrow space' but you should just make your space wider, it'd be worth it!
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • HelloFellowGardenersHelloFellowGardeners Posts: 18
    Thanks for all the replies! It's a noisy neighbour I would like to block out. My drive is down the side of my house and there is about 1m wide space on the other side of my drive before the boundary fence. The neighbour seems to live on this boundary fence using power tools, loud music, singing, parties, it seems to be constant. I've been working from home since lockdown and my company has just said we will stay working from home indefinitely. The neighbour has always been loud, but it's now distracting me from getting my work done. Yesterday morning I sat trying to read a report whilst my neighbour blasted out the Bee Gees. I thought if I planted something between my drive and the fence it might help stop some of the noise at least.
    Thanks for the link and suggestions. Just having a look now. 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Noise is a nuisance which is controllable.  Have a friendly word with the neighbour about turning down the decibels and if that fails, talk to the local council as they have staff who deal with noise disturbance.

    https://www.gov.uk/report-noise-pollution-to-council 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    I had the same issue. WFH til at least next year so I contacted the council. The issue has thankfully been resolved. All it took was an online form and a quick chat with the lady from the Private Residence team. Job done. 

    I can't imagine all councils will be as effective and efficient but worth a try. 

    I don't think plants will make much difference. Psychologically perhaps. 
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