Outdoor Living & Lifestyles - Noise Problem!
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L0veSn0w78
09-18-06, 12:56 PM
Hi everyone,
I live in San Diego and love the city, but since it's rapidly growing the freeway that I live by has gotten really busy. The traffifc noises did not bother me as much before, but I have gotten so annoyed with it lately that I hardly spend time in my backyard anymore. I planted some trees to try to deaden the noise, but it's not helping. I heard that water fountains may help, but it sounds so expensive. Does anyone have any inexpensive solutions to this problem??
Thank you so much!
I live in San Diego and love the city, but since it's rapidly growing the freeway that I live by has gotten really busy. The traffifc noises did not bother me as much before, but I have gotten so annoyed with it lately that I hardly spend time in my backyard anymore. I planted some trees to try to deaden the noise, but it's not helping. I heard that water fountains may help, but it sounds so expensive. Does anyone have any inexpensive solutions to this problem??
Thank you so much!
DIYaddict
09-18-06, 04:38 PM
Welcome to the DIY forums L0veSn0w78 :)
Yes...trees are not a very effective sound barrier. There are no such thing as sound blocking trees. :(
Do you own or rent where you live? The only reason why I ask is that if you rent it...maybe you can move out! Probably not the ideal solution. The best solution I can come up with would be to build a tall concrete wall. But...obviously this is not inexpensive. Most inexpensive way and may be silly, but maybe earplugs can help. :o
Yes...trees are not a very effective sound barrier. There are no such thing as sound blocking trees. :(
Do you own or rent where you live? The only reason why I ask is that if you rent it...maybe you can move out! Probably not the ideal solution. The best solution I can come up with would be to build a tall concrete wall. But...obviously this is not inexpensive. Most inexpensive way and may be silly, but maybe earplugs can help. :o
Ubob
09-19-06, 06:08 AM
I think you are on the right track with the fountain idea. Fountains don't have to be expensive. Even a small fountain (and cheaper) can make a fair amount of noise, and that is what will distract you from the highway noises - or at least some of them. Make sure you see and hear your prospective fountain in operation. You are looking for tiers with drops, as opposed to gentle cascades. Locate the fountain close to where you want to spend time - patio, garden, wherever.
Part of your problem is probably caused by the noise bouncing off all the hard surfaces - walls, hard patio, etc. Try adding some soft materials where you can - soft cushions for chairs, an outdoor area rug, trellis with vines by the walls - that sort of thing.
Part of your problem is probably caused by the noise bouncing off all the hard surfaces - walls, hard patio, etc. Try adding some soft materials where you can - soft cushions for chairs, an outdoor area rug, trellis with vines by the walls - that sort of thing.
NCRebuildr
09-21-06, 04:46 PM
Lush plantings, softening your hardscape, patio fountains (more the better) and windchimes like the tropical bamboo type will all form a strong defense against that traffic noise.
A wall or wood fence between you and the noise would help...be sure to plant on both sides of the fence and put a 12-18" strip of lattace work on top of it to help.
Talking with your city and neighbors about more plantings around the road can only help.
A wall or wood fence between you and the noise would help...be sure to plant on both sides of the fence and put a 12-18" strip of lattace work on top of it to help.
Talking with your city and neighbors about more plantings around the road can only help.