Green Roof Vegetation

We have chosen to use the word vegetative rather than the word green in this guide because a non vegetative roof could be considered to be environmentally green without being vegetative.

Green roof vegetation.

Container gardens on roofs where plants are maintained in pots are not generally considered to be true green roofs although. Vegetation and soil act as a sponge absorbing and filtering water that would normally plunge down gutters wash through polluted streets and over tax sewer systems. A green roof s plants remove air particulates produce oxygen and provide shade. Their low growing and or spreading habits great drought tolerance seasonal flowers and contrasting foliage colours textures and forms make them ideal candidates for green roofs.

Vegetative roofs also known as green roofs are thin layers of living vegetation installed on top of conventional flat or sloping roofs. Founded the first green roof nursery in north america. Plants for extensive green roofs should have low growth height rapid growth spreading and fibrous roots that have high drought tolerance. Succulents particularly colourful sedums dominate shallow substrate green roofs across temperate europe and north america.

A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium planted over a waterproofing membrane it may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. We are active in green roof plant research. Succulents such as sedum are often chosen for extensive green roofs because they withstand harsh conditions and minimize water loss.