Tree service professionals of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania share what makes trees such great reducers of noise pollution.
Which Trees Work Best to Shield Against Noise Pollution?
Trees are known to be a beautiful addition to any piece of property, but there are also many practical reasons for trees. Of course, the practical uses for trees may be obvious in some cases, such as using them for food and shade, but there are plenty of other reasons to plant trees. They can help reduce energy usage in a home, provide privacy, and promote better air quality.
One of the least discussed practical reasons for trees is noise reduction.
How Trees Reduce Noise Pollution
Just like any other solid object, trees affect sound waves. They do it in multiple ways that can be explained using terms from physical science. Trees absorb, reflect, refract, and mask sound.
These four aspects of noise reduction will be examined below.
- Sound Absorption: This happens when the energy of the sound waves is taken in by the tree. The type of tree and the density of its trunk and branches make it more or less effective at sound absorption. It has been discovered that most absorption actually happens in the ground between barrier trees. The fact that the trees are present creates a perfect condition in the soil for sound absorption.
- Sound Reflection: Also called sound deflection, this is of course the principle of sound bouncing off a solid object back in the direction of the sound. This can interfere with new sound waves coming in and cause a noise canceling effect.
- Sound Refraction: Instead of bouncing back to the source, sound ricochets off the hard surface of the tree in a different direction than the one it came from. Sound can pass through the tree and be sent in a different direction as well, just as light passing through water or a prism changes direction.
- Sound Masking: This describes the phenomenon that has made white noise machines so popular. The sound of trees covers up some of the other noise.
The reduction of noise pollution is more than just pleasant, it is actually healthy. Stress and interrupted sleep that result from noise can be detrimental to cardiac health. This goes without even mentioning the aural health effects.
Which Trees Are the Best for Noise Reduction
While both deciduous and evergreen trees do their part for noise reduction, evergreens tend to do a better job. This is because of their year round foliage and extensive branch coverage. While some hardwoods are better at sound absorption, overall reduction for health and practicality is best done by a stalwart line of evergreen trees.
What A Certified Arborist Can Do For Homeowners
If a homeowner has a desire to install a living sound barrier, a local tree service company is here to help.They can help you choose the right tree for your area, one that will thrive in local soil and be good for the environment.
Some of the other services that tree care companies with certified arborists provide are listed below.
- Tree health care
- Tree pruning
- Tree trimming
- Tree removal
- Plant health
- Landscaping assistance
- Protecting trees from tree disease
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
Based in Pittsburgh, PA and serving the city and the surrounding communities, Greater Pitt Tree Service has nearly three decades worth of arboricultural experience. We are fully licensed and insured with equipment to get the job done right! Call today for a free estimate.