Greetings all,

My new build home is almost 200 feet from the railway tracks, and our community is near the intersection. The trains that go by need to blow their horns every time they pass by.

My question is simply - which trees should I plant so that I can have a great noise buffer in place by next year or so? My boundary is almost 100 feet from my house. Should I just plant trees or smaller shrubs as well? In which case, which ones?

I'm a practical guy and would like those trees to be more than just noise buffers. I'd love for them to be fruit bearing, beautiful, or pleasant smelling or a mixture of all.

We've been through the remnants of hurricane Ike and I'm not sure about planting big trees near my house but I'd love some shade. Please advise.

Thank you.
Ash

The most quick growing tree I know of is the Leland Cypress, growing at about a rate of 3 feet per year, some say. Sometimes they are planted close together to form a hedge. They will probably grow to about 60 feet.

Arbovita will grow fast, thick and remain green all year. They do have a pleasant smell as well.

At 200' from the tracks you will not achieve all that much noise abatement for many, many years. You may also want to read up on ways to improve the soundproofing of the home itself. Soundproofing Your Home: Soundproofing Windows, Walls and Ceilings (http://www.repair-home.com/soundproofing_rooms.html)

HELLO
I agree with sound proofing our home it truly is the only way

Thank you all.

ballengerb1, it makes sense to soundproof the home.

Another thing that I remembered - If I'm the only one doing the tree hedge, it's not going to help with the buffer. My neighbors will also have to get in on this.

Thank you all for your inputs. Please keep letting me know which vegetation would be good.