The forecast is, finally, fine. You’ve hung the hammock, slathered the suncream, picked out a page turner to read. The stage is set for a perfect, peaceful afternoon in the garden. But wait – what’s that setting birds scattering and your eardrums screaming? The noisy neighbours are out again. And they are not holding back.
More than 305,000 noise complaints were recorded across England and Wales between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, around 850 complaints per day. The most problem appears to have been properties rented out as short term lets like Airbnbs. But who’s making the noise is rarely the issue. The bigger question is: how can you block it out?
You could take a Trumpian approach and build a very big wall, of course. But other, more aesthetically appealing options might be worth considering first. For example, planting.
“A layered approach that combines planting with subtle infrastructure is most effective in reducing and masking unwanted noise from over the fence,” says Ruth Darrah, founder of the Norfolk School of Gardening.
Laurence Berger//Getty Images
Lush bamboo is a great addition to fence screening.
Step one? “Dense, small-leafed evergreens such as yew hedging with Portuguese laurel, privet and eleagnus form the backbone, their tight foliage helping to absorb and deflect sound throughout the year while creating a clean, structured boundary,” says Ruth. “A solid fence or acoustic barrier behind this adds mass for further noise reduction, while the planting softens its appearance.”
Next? “In front, “noisy” plants introduce a gentle masking effect, their movement in the breeze helping to blur intrusive sounds,” she explains. Try rustling bamboo or ornamental grasses.
Third? Consider a water feature. “The addition of a more active running water feature—such as a bubbling urn, cascade, or small waterfall—provides a consistent, fuller-spectrum background noise that is very effective at distracting from other sounds,” Ruth says. “Together, these elements create depth, combining absorption, deflection, and natural sound masking to produce a calmer, more private garden atmosphere.”
And finally? Relax…
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