Noise barriers or noise protection walls are often rather boring in cities, along highways and roads or even in villages. They are usually simple gabions filled with stones – just practical. However, it is possible to use a green noise barrier. Noise protection using plants is already used by many people as a popular effect in the garden. Green noise barriers are now also being used more and more frequently in cities and municipalities as well as along roads, freeways and railroad lines. Read on to find out which green plants are suitable as noise barriers and how they can be combined with walls and gabions.
Green plants as noise protection and soundproofing - the advantages
Plants are a natural way of visually separating rooms. Depending on which green plants are chosen, they grow more densely than others and can therefore optimally contain sources of noise.
Vertical green spaces as a habitat for insects
Insects are having a hard time these days. Due to the increasing development of green spaces, their habitat is becoming increasingly limited. Vertical green spaces can be created by using green plants as noise protection to green a noise barrier. There is also the option of working with flowering plants.
Planting against CO2 pollution and particulate matter
Noise barriers are used in areas where a lot of noise is generated by traffic. Particulate matter and CO2 are one of the biggest problems here, alongside noise, which can have a disturbing effect on local residents. By using a green noise barrier, it is possible to sustainably reduce particulate matter and CO2. The more noise barrier plants are used and the denser they grow, the better it is.
Sound absorption with plants
Depending on the plants selected, sound insulation values of around 67 dB can be achieved.
The use of green noise barriers requires little maintenance if the plants are selected correctly. It is not necessary to carry out extensive deep foundation work. In addition, planting is possible both quickly and extensively. It is interesting to note that the selection does not have to be limited to climbing plants.
We at RAU® will be happy to advise you on which variants of noise barriers are suitable for greening. The bamboo noise barrier or the wooden noise barrier are classics for providing peace and quiet for residents and animals in the immediate vicinity. We will be happy to discuss with you in person which types of walls appear to be suitable for reducing noise in your individual case.
Noise protection and attractive privacy screen in one
Green noise barriers not only reduce background noise, they also have another effect: privacy. If housing estates border on busy roads, green noise barriers are ideal for keeping out prying eyes. A combination of different shrubs and climbing plants make a significant contribution to noise reduction and create a pleasant atmosphere.
Extensive choice of plants for sound insulation
One of the most important aspects when looking for the right plants for the noise barrier is that the plants contain the noise source as much as possible. They should also be long-lasting and robust. Sometimes they have to do without water for a while, and sometimes the vertical green spaces are exposed to a lot of sunlight. Varieties such as winter jasmine or field rose are ideal here.
Winter jasmine grows up to three meters high and therefore likes to grow along noise barriers. However, one of the most important aspects is its appearance. The bright flowers are a popular attraction for bees and bumblebees in particular. However, this plant also requires more extensive care.
The cherry laurel must also be mentioned. It can be used as greenery for noise protection, especially in an urban living environment. Depending on the variety, the plants are resistant to wind and moisture. Variants with large leaves significantly reduce exposure to fine dust.
If you would like to use greenery that is also suitable as protection for birds, you can even look towards small trees and very tall hedges. Hawthorn is a very popular choice. But willows and beeches are also used.
Finding a green noise barrier with support from RAU®
The increasing interest in installing green noise barriers or adding plants to existing noise barriers means that we at RAU® are expanding our range for you. Our range offers the right solution for every area. For a long time, it was assumed that climbing plants such as ivy were particularly suitable for greening. However, the appearance is not always suitable. It is also a poisonous plant.
In the meantime, green noise barriers have also become an important part of cityscapes. The vertical green spaces support the environment, reduce noise and street noise and improve air quality. This makes it all the more important that you find the right plants for the areas you are adapting.
If you would like to find out more about the options or if you have any questions about green noise barriers, our experts at RAU® will be happy to help. Environmentally friendly noise protection is an improvement in many areas. We will be happy to advise you by telephone at +49 (0)30 397 488 64