I live (against my will) on the bottom floor of an apartment building, with a car road nearby. I made this text illustration to help you see the situation:
/ / /
/ /====+
/ / / =====+
/ / <-- Road ============================== <-- Walking road.
/ / / Ex-bush -> || v-- My window
/ -------------==------------
/ / | * <-- Me |
| |
As you can see, there was a tall bush/shrubbery (well above the height of a grown man and the windows) right outside my window.
Recently, they went insane and ordered it to be cut down almost to the ground, to make my life even more miserable. (The official reason was for "security", because the neighbor had a burglar and they claim it was enabled by the large bush/shrubbery, blocking the view.)
Ever since they did this, I have started hearing traffic much more than before. I never thought about that particular noise pollution before. Now, I hear those horrible car engines all the time. At least frequently, every day. Even if I close the window entirely. (Which is not usually possible due to the heat/lack of air.)
The window opens inwards with the "gap" to the left from my position and the illustration. But again, it seems to be quite noticeable even with it closed, and from the kitchen (next room to the right).
Is it actually possible that the leaves were so great at blocking the sound? Or is this all in my mind? I wish it's all in my mind, because if not, then that bush/shrubbery is even more missed by me than before. (Another negative part is that it's now all visually "open" here and anyone can stare at me from the surroundings whenever I go out on the balcony.)
Length bird's way between my window and the road where it touches the walking road: almost exactly 100 meters. The illustration is obviously simplified.