Do Arborvitae Really Block Noise? Here's What the Science Says

Name: Green Giant Arborvitae
Brand: Rolling Fields Tree Farm
SKU: GGA12345
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If you’ve ever stood in your yard and wished for just a little more peace and quiet - especially from road traffic or noisy neighbors - you’re not alone. More and more homeowners are looking for natural ways to reduce noise around their property, and arborvitae trees often come up as a solution. But do they actually work?

Let’s take a look at what the science says, and how you can use arborvitae effectively to quiet your outdoor space.

How Trees Reduce Noise: The Basics

Trees can reduce sound in a few different ways: they absorb, deflect, and mask noise.

Absorption happens when sound waves are dampened by leaves, branches, and the soft ground beneath trees.
Deflection occurs when sound is redirected or scattered by the tree structure.
Masking refers to the way vegetation helps obscure unpleasant noise by blending it with natural sounds like rustling leaves or birdsong.

But here’s the key: not all trees are equally effective. According to research from agroforestry and landscape design experts, trees must be dense, tall, and planted in strategic arrangements to make a noticeable impact.

In fact, one respected resource - the agroforestry journal The Overstory - reports that well-designed tree belts can reduce noise by 6 to 15 decibels. That’s enough to make a busy street sound more like a distant background hum.

Why Arborvitae Are a Go-To Choice for Noise Buffering

When it comes to sound-reducing plants, arborvitae check nearly every box:

Evergreen Foliage: They provide coverage all year long, unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves in fall.
Dense Growth Habit: Arborvitae naturally grow thick and full, especially when planted close together.
Vertical Height: Many popular varieties (like Green Giant or Nigra) reach 15–30 feet tall - perfect for blocking both sound and sightlines.
Low Maintenance: Once established, arborvitae are hardy and relatively easy to care for.

Their uniform shape and quick growth also make them ideal for creating a living wall - a natural alternative to fences that also adds beauty and biodiversity.

How to Plant Arborvitae for Maximum Sound Reduction

Planting a row of arborvitae will help, but to really reduce noise, it’s all about the layout.

Here’s what the research suggests:

Plant densely. Space trees 2 to 4 feet apart, depending on variety, to ensure there are no gaps where sound can travel through.
Use multiple rows if possible. Stagger two rows to create a thicker barrier.
Go wide. A wider belt of trees blocks more sound than a single slim row.
Layer your plantings. Mix in shrubs or groundcovers in front of your arborvitae for added absorption and aesthetic appeal.
Elevate with berms. Planting on a raised mound or berm adds vertical coverage and further blocks sound waves.

Source: Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG), UK – Noise reduction is most effective when vegetation is dense, tall, and continuous, forming an uninterrupted barrier between the sound source and listener.

What Arborvitae Won’t Do (And Why That’s OK)

It’s important to set realistic expectations. Arborvitae and other trees won’t eliminate all noise - especially loud, high-frequency sounds or airplane traffic.

But they soften the noise. They break up harsh or sudden sounds, reduce echo, and - just as important - create a psychological buffer. People report feeling more at ease and less bothered by noise when it’s visually screened by natural greenery.

Beyond Quiet: The Eco-Friendly Bonus

Choosing arborvitae for sound control isn’t just practical - it’s also environmentally smart.

Unlike hard barriers (like fences or walls), trees:

Absorb carbon dioxide
Provide habitat for birds and pollinators
Improve air quality
Add property value and visual appeal

It’s a solution that benefits you, your neighbors, and the environment.

Thinking About Planting Arborvitae?

If you’re ready to bring more peace and quiet to your yard, arborvitae can absolutely help - especially when planted thoughtfully. They offer a combination of beauty, privacy, and sound buffering that’s hard to beat.

At Rolling Fields Tree Farm, we grow trees that are ideal for noise reduction, namely: Green Giant Arborvitae. Whether you’re creating a quiet retreat or trying to buffer traffic noise, we can help you choose the right size and planting strategy for your space.

Ready to get started? Browse our trees online or give us a call.

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Sources:

“Trees as Noise Buffers.” The Overstory #193, Agroforestry.org – Read Article
Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery, Trees and Design Action Group (UK) – PDF