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Noise & Visual Buffer Near Interstate

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From: Junitta R. City: Farmersville, IL
I recently moved to a home that is one block off of the interstate. The noise from the semi trucks has made it impossible to enjoy our back yard at any time. We have plenty of mature shade trees, but would like to plant a privacy screen to block out both noise and the view. We are hoping to plant something, hardy, long lasting with a fast enough growth so we can start enjoying the outdoors soon. I was leaning towards maybe canadian hemlock or emerald arborivita. Then maybe plant some flowering shrubs to make a double row. I'm also open to any suggestions you may have. Junitta
	Extension Message From: Jay Hayek Extension Specialist, Forestry Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences jhayek@illinois.edu
Greetings Junitta, Hardy, long-lasting, and fast growth...that's a pretty tall order! Eastern hemlock would not be my first (or second) choice for establishing a noise buffer...growth is too slow. Emerald Arborvitae would work, as would white pine or white fir. I suggest planting them 10-feet apart. A double row is also suggested, if you have the real estate to accommodate the extra shrubs. You may want to think about dogwoods, hazelnut, wild plum, or viburnums. I suggest planting them 4-6 feet apart. Good luck!
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