By:Monte Leeper
Q. Our family lives on a Stewart Avenue in Westbury. It is a very busy and noisy street. My husband would like to investigate putting up a berm. We'd like a natural-looking noise barrier. However, we haven't been able to find any information about this. Please help!
A. A berm is a raised area of earth, used mainly as a method of blocking
views or sound. With landscaping carefully planned on and around the mound
of earth, it can be effective at blocking sound and views while being very
attractive.
There are many landscape architecture books at the local libraries, though the construction of a berm is really basic. Piled earth, usually combining well-drained soils and topped with a rich top soil is the main idea. Other than that, you need to keep the slope gradual to avoid erosion or collapse of the sides. Decorative stone can be used effectively to reinforce the earth, if a steeper pitch is desired. Ornamental grasses, combined with perennials and evergreen shrubs, provide a nice mix of color and give year-round blooming and green tones. If you would like greater height, the center of the berm will consist of rubble or large stones that create a support for the earth in-fill.
Be careful about the height of the berm, because it can be a safety hazard blocking a driver's view from a side street. Towns and villages have ordinances regarding man-made landscape features, such as fences and walls, and excessive height may cause a visit from the area inspector or complaints from neighbors.
The idea is to be attractive without being obtrusive.
