Soundproofing your garden might sound a little extreme, but if settling down for some quiet time outdoors is a distant dream due to irritating and intrusive noises, it might be time to consider it. Noise nuisances like the hum of traffic or a neighbour talking loudly at length on their phone can be solved by including a few garden soundproofing measures.
It’s all about working out which structures, materials and plants will absorb, block or deflect sounds, and will often mean using several of them in combination in your garden design, depending on the gravity of the situation.
Although there are some things you will probably just have to grin and bear, like the sound of drills and drones, leaf blowers and kids’ paddling pool parties, routine day-to-day sound annoyances can usually be considerably lessened with the right measures in place.
1. Rethink your garden layout
The end of the garden might be a much more peaceful spot for a patio instead of positioning it near your house plus those of your neighbours(Image credit: Katie Lee)
As a garden designer specialising in small urban spaces, Agata Henderson finds that noise is one of the most common concerns her clients face. “With most inner-city gardens ranging between just 3.5 and 7 meters in width, there’s very little separation between you and your neighbours,” she says.
“You can often hear every word of their conversations, and be interrupted by barking dogs and the other clatter of daily life. For those living near busy roads, the constant hum of traffic becomes an ever-present backdrop, making it difficult to truly relax outdoors.”
Look at your garden layout with a view to relocating a relaxation space in the quietest part, as far away from the road and neighbours as possible. “If you’re planning a major revamp of your garden, relocating the patio to a quieter part of the space is one of the smartest changes you can make,” says Agata. It’s all about knowing how to zone a garden to get the most out of your outdoor space.
Here’s another great tip when you’re thinking about garden layout. “Spreading out plants and creating curved garden path ideas is a great way to lay out your garden to help break up sound travel,” says Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls. “We always love to add private seating areas where possible, surrounded by heavy greenery as it provides a quiet and relaxing spot to enjoy.”
Agata Henderson
Agata Henderson is a West London-based garden designer specialising in creating enchanting outdoor spaces. Her mission is to design gardens where people can unwind and relax. Agata has a degree with distinction in garden design from the British Academy of Garden Design, and extensive project management experience, including high-profile clients like Battersea Power Station and Crossrail.
Mark Dwelly
Mark Dwelly went to horticultural college and his gardening career grew from there. After looking after the grounds of a private school he then went to work at Audley Stanbridge Earls, where he progressed to head gardener, looking after 32 acres of woodlands and gardens.
2. Add a pergola or gazebo to help block out noise
Putting a pergola at the bottom of the garden and adding plants to screen it is a great idea(Image credit: Suns Lifestyle)
“One of my favourite solutions for tackling neighbour noise, especially in small garden designs, is a freestanding pergola idea fitted with side screens,” says new-build gardening specialist Luke Newnes. “This creates an outdoor ‘room’ that feels private and sheltered. The screens act as physical sound barriers, especially when combined with climbing plants like evergreen jasmine or clematis armandii, which help absorb and diffuse noise.”
For best results position this patio or decking cover so it shields your main seating area from the source of noise, says Luke. This could mean putting it at the end of the garden away from surrounding houses. “Adding soft furnishings like outdoor rugs and cushions further dampens sound within the space, making it a tranquil retreat even in a lively neighbourhood.”
Luke Newnes
Luke Newnes, also known as The Pink Gardener, is a new-build gardening specialist and a member of the Interior Squad at Hillarys. With a talent for transforming outdoor spaces into stunning sanctuaries, he shares expert gardening tips and inspiration, encouraging others to embrace the beauty of nature.
3. Create a sunken seating area
This sunken garden by designers John Warland and Emma O’Connell shows how to create a more secluded space(Image credit: Sarah Cuttle/RHS)
“Lowering a seating area below ground level is a clever way to reduce exposure to airborne noise, as the surrounding earth acts as a natural sound barrier,” says Luke Newnes. “Lining the sunken area with dense planting or retaining walls faced with textured materials like stone or timber further helps to absorb and scatter sound.”
Sunken garden ideas are a great way to create a space that feels more secluded, and work well as a natural fit with circular patio ideas too. Consider a design like this if your garden is on different levels and naturally slopes down as you can design it into the lower levels to reduce noise.
4. Mask garden noise with a water feature
It’s amazing how much the sound of trickling water can block out(Image credit: Claudia Krahne/Getty Images)
Adding a water feature to your garden is another good idea to mask noise. A gentle trickle from a fountain or water blade is an effective way to screen background noise. A well-placed water feature won’t block noise but will mask it by providing a soothing, consistent sound.
The trick when working out how to soundproof a garden is to choose a water feature design that produces enough sound to distract from unwanted noise without being overpowering.
“Adding a water feature to your garden is a simple yet powerful way to create a peaceful retreat right outside your door,” says James Bentley, director at garden furniture supplier Charles Bentley. “The key is to consider not just the look of your water feature, but the sound it produces, too. Whether it’s a soft, meditative trickle, the gentle babble of a stream, or the more energising rush of a cascading waterfall, each creates a different mood and can completely transform the ambience of your garden.”
In addition to masking noise the gentle sound of flowing water creates a tranquil atmosphere, helping to distract from less pleasant noises, such as voices or activity from neighbouring gardens. A water feature has ecological value too as it will attract wildlife like birds and pollinators by providing a vital water source.
James Bentley
Joining the family business in 2007, James Bentley has worked across a variety of roles and became a director in 2015. He currently oversees the company’s operations, IT, and quality departments. Since joining the business, James has headed up several significant projects including the online distribution centre.
Made of recycled plastic with a matt grey rock-effect finish, this light and compact water feature is ideal for smaller gardens and outdoor spaces. Just add water and plug it in. Six warm white LEDs highlight the bubbling water at night to make it extra magical after dark.
This stylish fountain brings the soothing sound of cascading water to any space. Unlike solar-powered fountains, this portable, rechargeable water fountain operates without cords or constant sunlight, and is made from eco-friendly materials.
This faux slate waterfall fountain creates a relaxing ambience. Featuring a modern, curved design with a set of LED lights at the top and bottom of the feature, almost two gallons of water circulate and trickle down the textured facade to create soothing sounds.
5. Establish a thick layer of planting
A living wall will add an extra layer to your sound barrier in addition to a fence or wall(Image credit: Jacek Wac/Alamy Stock Photo)
Mature trees and established shrubs, as well as living walls, are all excellent and natural ways if you’re looking for ideas on how to soundproof a garden. “Unfortunately, many developers and homebuilders often choose to clear entire sites of existing greenery, thinking it simplifies the construction process,” says Agata Henderson. This means new homes and extensions end up in stark, barren landscapes, and restoring that lost greenery becomes a costly and time-consuming task.
“I’m a firm believer in preserving as much existing vegetation as possible, especially any trees and shrubs that are outside the building footprint, typically anything six metres or more from the foundations. Not only does this save money in the long term as you’ll only need minimal additional planting, but it also significantly reduces noise.”
Adding new shrubs along the garden borders is also a smart move especially if you want to cover a boring fence, as long as you’re willing to wait a few years for the plants to become established. “In smaller gardens, consider using pre-grown living screens that span the full height of the fence,” suggests Agata. “Dense, layered planting diffuses noise quickly, and for the best year-round results, opt for evergreen varieties.”
Include plants with rustling leaves such as bamboo and birch, as well as ornamental grasses like miscanthus. “These add a pleasant, natural sound that can help mask intrusive noises,” says Luke Newnes. “These varieties move in the breeze, creating a gentle ‘white noise’ effect.”
Vertical planting is also a great solution if you’re looking to introduce some simple patio privacy ideas to screen your space from view.
6. Invest in good-quality walls and fences
A good solid wall at the right height will help to cushion your garden against sound(Image credit: imageBROKER.com/Alamy Stock Photos)
Good-quality garden fence ideas and garden wall ideas not only frame your garden beautifully but also provide a sound barrier. When combined with dense layered planting, these types of boundaries can significantly absorb and diffuse unwanted sound.
If you’re considering a fence there are some key regulations to factor in to your plans. “It’s important to be aware of local height regulations,” says Agata Henderson. This means in back gardens, fences generally must not exceed two metres in height. In front gardens facing public highways, the limit is typically one metre, though in some areas it can be lower.
While brick walls offer durability and a solid barrier, it’s often a more expensive option if you’re considering how to soundproof a garden in a domestic setting.
“It’s essential to keep in mind that any external brick wall must be built using a double-brick construction, which significantly increases the cost compared to timber fencing,” explains Agata.
Just as with fences, there are similar garden wall height regulations too, so always check the rules before you start building.
FAQs
How do I block out noise from my neighbour’s garden?
To block out noise from your neighbour’s garden the best solution is to use a mix of different stategies. “Creating a quieter garden isn’t about one big fix,” says Peter Mortin, resident garden expert at luxury outdoor room brand Crane Garden Buildings. “It’s usually a combination of smart design choices that work together to reduce or disguise noise.”
Peter has the following advice to share. “Start with planting. Dense fast-growing hedges like laurel or yew can really help buffer sound, and trees like silver birch or bamboo offer a bonus. Their rustling leaves add gentle background noise that helps mask traffic or neighbours.
“Fences and walls are the obvious go-to for blocking out noise, but softening them with greenery can make a big difference, both visually and acoustically. A solid fence with climbing plants or a green screen can absorb more noise than bare timber or brick alone.
“When planning your layout with a view to how to soundproof a garden, think about where sound travels from. If there’s a quieter corner of your garden, make the most of it. That might be the best spot for a bench, a fire pit or even a small garden building. Something like a garden office, studio or summerhouse doesn’t just add value, it also acts as a buffer, physically breaking up noise and giving you a quiet indoor-outdoor space to retreat to.”
Peter Mortin
Peter Mortin is the business development manager and resident garden guru at luxury outdoor rooms brand Crane Garden Buildings. Peter has worked in the horticultural industry for decades, having set up his own garden building company as a teenager.
“For additional noise diffusion, think vertically,’ says garden designer Agata Henderson. “Decorative garden screening ideas, upright railway sleepers, or even tall planters can help scatter sound waves without blocking airflow or creating heat or frost traps. These vertical elements also provide visual interest and enhance the overall design of your garden.”
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