Creating a Quiet, Private Oasis: Noise Reduction Tips for Small Urban Gardens

Dense planting, water feature and tree canopy have great noise reducing properties.

As a garden designer specialising in small urban spaces, I know how challenging it can be to create a peaceful and private garden. Most city gardens range between just 3.5 and 7 metres wide—hardly enough distance to block out noise or feel private. You can often hear neighbours talking, smell their barbecues, and listen to dogs barking or children playing. Add the constant hum of nearby traffic, and it’s easy to see why so many clients ask me: How can I make my garden feel more peaceful?

Here are some proven garden design ideas for noise reduction and privacy, tailored especially for small urban spaces.

1. Keep Existing Trees and Shrubs Wherever Possible

Mature plants are one of the best natural tools for absorbing and diffusing noise. They form a buffer between your space and the outside world. Unfortunately, many homeowners and developers strip sites bare before building, which leaves gardens exposed and requires expensive replanting.

If you’re planning work, try to preserve anything that sits more than 6 metres away from the house. You’ll save time, money, and instantly benefit from better sound control and more mature greenery.

2. Use Dense, Evergreen Planting for Year-Round Screening

Planting new shrubs along fences or boundaries can help muffle sound and create privacy over time. Choose evergreen varieties so your garden doesn’t feel exposed in winter.

If you want faster results, consider pre-grown living screens or climbers trained on trellis panels. These can offer height, texture, and sound absorption much sooner.

For a stylish yet practical option, try Fargesia bamboo. It’s clump-forming (non-invasive), offers year-round greenery, and its canes help scatter sound effectively.

3. Install Acoustic Fencing and Natural Screens

Acoustic fencing is designed specifically to reduce sound. Brands like Jacksons Fencing offer attractive timber panels with built-in soundproofing. Combine them with soft planting for even greater effect.

Just be mindful of planning restrictions:

• Rear garden fences or walls should not exceed 1.8m

• Front garden fences facing public highways are usually limited to 90cm, and in some areas as low as 40cm

In these cases, dense hedges may be your best option for privacy and sound buffering.

4. Think Twice Before Building Brick Walls

While brick garden walls are effective sound barriers, they come at a cost. UK building regulations require double-brick construction for outdoor walls, making them far more expensive than timber alternatives. Unless you're after a very permanent structure, consider combining fencing with greenery instead.

5. Avoid Sunken Seating for Noise Control

Sunken seating looks beautiful in 3D renders and Instagram photos, but its actual impact on noise is limited. Since your ears still sit above the sunken level, sound travels as usual. These areas are also expensive to build and often suffer from poor drainage—especially in the UK climate.

6. Add a Water Feature to Mask Unwanted Noise

A running garden water feature is a simple, elegant solution for masking background noise and improving ambience. Whether it’s a small fountain, bubbling bowl, or cascading rill, water introduces a calming presence that helps distract from traffic or neighbours.

Even better? Water features support local wildlife by providing a drinking and bathing source for birds, insects, and small animals.

7. Rethink Patio Placement and Layout

If you're redesigning your garden, think carefully about where to place your patio. Moving it to a quieter corner—especially one that catches the evening sun—can dramatically improve the experience of your outdoor space.

Surround seating areas with layered planting for a sense of enclosure. Add a pergola, gazebo, or canopy to help trap and soften the sounds you create, like laughter, music, or conversation. If you can hear your neighbours, they can hear you—so it works both ways!

8. Use Soft Furnishings and Vertical Structures

Modern outdoor fabrics are weather-resistant and comfortable, and they also help absorb noise. Use cushions, rugs, and upholstered benches to soften harsh sounds in your garden.

You can also add vertical structures—like decorative panels, tall planters, or upright sleepers—around your seating area. These don’t block airflow or light but do a great job of distorting and diffusing sound waves.

Vertical screens are great for distorting the noise without blocking air flow.

Conclusion: A Peaceful Garden Is Possible—Even in the City

Living in a busy urban area doesn’t mean you have to settle for a noisy, exposed garden. With the right planting, layout, and materials, you can create a tranquil outdoor space that feels private, welcoming, and uniquely yours.

Whether you're making small updates or planning a full redesign, the steps above will help you turn your city garden into a calm retreat—no matter how compact it is.

Want help designing a quieter, more private garden?

I’d love to help. Get in touch to book a consultation or browse my portfolio for inspiration.