Q.Blocking Noise From Neighbors Raised HVAC
Hello! I live on the marsh outside Charleston, SC. The homes in our neighborhood are raised, and it is required by code that our HVAC units be raised as well. My neighbor’s HVAC system (2 units plus their pool pump) sits on a 12 ft platform. It was never a problem with the previous owner or current owners until they purchased new, cheaper units that are loud — high pitched, loud electrical hum. The unit sits about 20 feet from our raised back porch. The sound has ruined our summer peace. They did purchase sleaves for the units to help mitigate the sound, but these did nothing. We have looked at doing landscaping to block the noise. Many noise blocking plants, that grown high enough (20-25 feet) will not tolerate the intense sun and the high water level. Cypress, for example, is not good because roots tend to root with the water level and Arborvitae is not good because it won’t tolerate our intense sun — at least that is what landscapers have told us. Our HOA will not allow us to build a fence over 4 feet tall. So I have come up with building a 25 foot tunnel/pergola covered in star jasmine, hoping that hitting with several layers on both sides of the tunnel will break the noise. The landscaper we hired seems to be excited about building this and thinks it will work. I want a second opinion from someone with no skin in the game, if you will. Do you think this will work? Other suggestions? Many thanks!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
You are in hardiness zone 9a, so you do have evergreen options. Star jasmine, or just about any vining or shrub jasmine variety, should work. Star jasmine is evergreen in your zone so that will help with the noise factor.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/jasmine/how-to-train-a-jasmine-vine.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/jasmine/growing-jasmine-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/evergreen-climbing-plants
Here are more options:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/noise-reduction-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/zone-9-hedges.htm
