Trees and shrubs for noise abatement

Abstract

Excessive noise is a form of environmental pollution. The continual increase in the community noise level during the past two decades indicates a future noise problem comparable to the current air pollution problem of our large industrial centers.

Trees and other forms of vegetation are known to have some effect on the transmission of sound but precise information on their use as noise screens is rather meager. In this study, we attempted to derive accurate, useful information for the above purpose, and to add to knowledge about outdoor sound propagation. Actual plantings of trees and shrubs in the form of shelterbelts and windbreaks on the Nebraska plains, and screen plantings of shrub-tree combinations within the city were studied.