Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - March 30, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Noise buffering by native plants in Austin, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I live in Austin in a neighborhood that is bordered on one side by highway 183 and on the other by MoPac and the train tracks. Even though I am least a three blocks from the closest highway, the traffic noise is horrific on all sides of my house, even at night. What might the best native plant or plants to put near the house to mitigate the noise coming inside and to plant around the perimeter of the property for the same purpose? I have a large yard, which I like, but I notice that the smaller properties, with smaller yards and close-by houses on all sides, are quieter because the buildings shield each other from the noise. Thank you for any suggestions.ANSWER:
How refreshing, to not be asked for a deer-resistant plant, in the bargain. Perhaps the deer don't like the noise any more than you do. You probably already realize the mature, evergreen trees are probably the best noise buffer among plants that you could have. If you have large trees already on your property, coddle them. If you don't, although you could plant some, it would be years before they would get big enough to do you any good. So, we have selected some evergreen bushes, most of which are moderately fast-growing and dense. Take the links to each plant page and read its characteristics and see if it would fit your requirements in terms of placement, sun requirements, etc.
Several of these plants also have berries that will attract birds. You should be aware that the seeds of Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) are very poisonous.
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush)
Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita) - a very stickery bush, will also keep joggers from cutting across
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) - slow growing
These shrubs will all do nicely in creating a perimeter hedge for buffering the noise. They are all native to Central Texas, and should do well with not too much maintenance in the Austin area. They could also be planted closer to the house, even in front of the windows, but this is going to cut out the interior daylight, which you probably don't want.
We are not in the business of recommending products, especially products that are not plant-related, but have you considered replacing your windows with double-paned windows that can more effectively shut out the sound? We understand that this is an expensive proposition, but in your location, it might be worth it. Here is an article on the advantages of double paned windows.
More Shrubs Questions
Need suggestions for trees to withstand high winds on Top Sail Island, North Caroloina.
August 20, 2013 - Moving to coastal southern North Carolina. Planting native trees and shrubs, wax bayberry, Redbud, love the River Birch. What type of tree has the deepest roots or would be least likely to blow over...
view the full question and answer
Native evergreen shrub for Dallas
May 03, 2007 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live in Dallas and I am trying to look for a native evergreen shrub that blooms and works well in full to partial sun. I thought about "lantana" and/or a "firecracker", but...
view the full question and answer
Alternative for Pittosporum limelight
March 22, 2012 - Is it ok to plant a Pittosporum limelight by pool? Don't want bees! Needs to be 6 feet. Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Evergreen flowering shrub for North Augusta GA
July 12, 2009 - I need suggestions for shade-loving evergreen flowering bush that will grow 6 feet or so, besides azaleas.
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Cleyera and Red-tip photinia
June 01, 2008 - I planted a row of Cleyera in a bed that receives sunlight for about 3 hours during the middle of the day. My problem is that a number of the plants are dying. It begins with the leaves on one small...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |