Noise reducing plants for narrow space

Question

We recently purchased a house that borders a very busy noisy street. We are separated from the street by our narrow yard and a 6′ high brick fence. The fence would help if it were taller. We have a length of about 65′ to fill in. Buying mature trees or scrubs is almost prohibitive because of the cost. Is there an inexpensive attractive way to reduce the noise and stop some of the road grime that gets on our patio? What ever we plant needs to grow tall and not too wide. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

This article has some good suggestions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/noise-reduction-plants.htm

Coniferous trees are usually best for use in noise screens because they typically have dense growth, as well as often growing tall and relatively narrow, but there are some flowering trees that should also work. The trees listed as good windbreaks in the following article should work for noise as well:
https://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fact-sheets/trees-shrubs/using-trees-and-shrubs-for-privacy-and-wind-screening

This article discusses some fast-growing species that may work in your situation:
https://hoke.ces.ncsu.edu/2007/07/the-best-trees-to-use-as-a-buffer-between-your-home-and-the-road/