
Is there a lot of noise around your house? Here's what you can do about it
The modern magic word in sound insulation is "soundscaping." It is a more aesthetically pleasing solution than traditional sound insulation walls. The word is a combination of the English words for sound and landscape. It refers to the creation of a sound environment. This works by overlaying unpleasant noises with pleasant ones. At first, this may sound like a jumble of disturbing noises, but it is not. You have probably already experienced soundscaping without being aware of it. It has been used successfully in cities and shopping centers for some time now. Music is the simplest way to "reduce" noise. Another option is birdsong. The whole thing works because our brain emphasizes the more pleasant sounds. Trees and shrubs provide natural soundscaping for your own garden, but it can also be created artificially.
If a property has to be sold because of its noisy surroundings, soundscaping can be used to reduce the problematic acoustic impression. This is achieved through natural manipulation, for example with plants. The rustling of leaves and tall grass in the wind can have a pleasant effect. Although the wind cannot be influenced, plants that rustle gently even in the slightest breeze do the "work" for you. Evergreen bamboo or tall grasses can fulfill this requirement.
Other evergreen plants with large, round leaves are also suitable for protecting against noise. The large, round leaves literally "swallow" and "disperse" the sound like sound barriers. Hedges and bushes also help against noise. However, they must be evenly spaced and not bare at the bottom. Grass on the ground also helps to dampen noise. Ivy, for example, is particularly well suited. After all, it is evergreen, the shape of the leaves is almost perfect, and they are even oriented in such a way that the sound is "intercepted." The fact that it thrives in both sunny and shady locations is an additional factor. The so-called wrinkled snowball is also well suited. It is also evergreen, thrives well in garden soil and in partial shade, and its leaves grow in such a way that they keep the noise "out."
Another way to drown out noise in your own garden is with water features. The sound of splashing water is pleasant for many people and helps to make the noise "behind" it disappear. And it doesn't even have to be a large fountain. A small bowl with water dripping from it can be enough. If it is a little louder, you can also use a fountain. If you have a garden pond, a small stream babbling into it might be a nice solution. Many people have different preferences when it comes to how loud the water should be. However, this can be adjusted, for example, by changing the height from which the water flows.
Do you have a property in a difficult location? Contact us. We will be happy to advise you.
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