Using Cedar Hedges to Reduce Street Noise for Homes in Greater Vancouver

Cedar hedges and trees do more than make your property look amazing. They also reduce street noise by absorbing and refracting soundwaves. In fact, they’re one of the best plants that function as natural sound barriers. If you’re interested in creating a quieter, more pleasant environment through natural landscaping using cedar hedges and cedar trees in Greater Vancouver, here’s how and why you should.

Which plants work?

Conifers top the list of plants that have sound-reducing qualities. Examples include stately emerald cedars, fast-growing western red cedars, and the eye-popping boxwood shrub.

How do they work?

Cedars reduce noise in two ways. First, they are evergreen, meaning they don’t drop their leaves like deciduous trees do. So they continue buffering sound all year long. Two, they have thousands upon thousands of leaves to refract and absorb sound. Wood itself also absorbs sound so even the trunk and stems are effective. It’s not surprising that soundproofing panels and ear defenders operate the same way cedars do: using soft, rough textures because they’re the best at absorbing sound. 

The denser and thicker the hedge, the more sound it reduces. Additionally, cedar hedges are used in combination with ground cover plants and cedar trees in Greater Vancouver for greater sound reduction across multiple frequencies, as well as wind resistance.

What are some other benefits?

Both cedar hedges and cedar trees trump other sound barrier materials across categories. They're also:

• Sustainable, renewable, recyclable
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Easier to maintain
• Environmentally friendly
• Encourages biodiversity
• Improves air quality
• Adds privacy
• Increases home value
• Reduces stress
• Cheaper to make and manage
• Wind break

Whether you live in a densely populated urban area or rurally beside noisy highways, cedar hedges and trees are stunning additions to your landscaping and the best option for reducing street noise.

Pacific West Cedars can help you with all things hedges. Need hedges now? Talk to us about our fastest growing western red cedars. 778-241-5664