Whether you’re retrofitting or constructing a completely brand new structure, green roofs are an environmentally friendly and stunning addition to any property. Not only do they add a lot of visual appeal, but they can also help to exponentially increase your property value if you ever plan on selling it in the future. All in all, installing a green roof is an excellent investment, but it takes a lot of careful planning. This isn’t a responsibility that should be taken lightly. Otherwise, things can go south very quickly.
With that said, here are a few major green roof planning mistakes you should avoid if you’re interested in making your property more eco-friendly this spring.
Inadequate Design and Construction
Installing a fully functional and visually appealing green roof on your property can be a rewarding experience. But it takes a great deal of planning, resources, and hard work. From the early design stages to construction and the final product, you want to make sure that every last step is executed with expert precision. Choose greenery, plants, softscapes, and hardscapes that are already adequately acclimated to the climate in which you live. And make sure that the construction of your existing roof can support the structural weight of installing a green space. If you’re not sure, then it’s best to consult with an expert landscaping company such as FOREVER GREEN LAWN & LANDSCAPE INC.
Failing to Account for Water Drainage
Amidst all of the excitement of developing a beautiful outdoor green sanctuary, many people tend to overlook one very significant factor: water drainage. During the planning phase, you need to make sure that the structure of your roof either already has a proper water drainage system in place or that one can be installed during construction. Failing to do so could mean that the entire project might as well just be water under the bridge, so to speak. Pooling water from rain falls, irrigation systems, and storms can cause serious and expensive damages to your plants as well as the structure of your roof over time.
Neglecting to Maintain Your Rooftop Green Space
Green roofs require a great deal of routine maintenance just like a regular garden would. Whether you’re doing the landscaping yourself or hiring professionals to do it for you, you need to make sure that you have easy access to the roof at all times. You should also tend to the greenery and plants on a regular basis to make sure they’re healthy and thriving.
Failing to Take Geography into Consideration
Geography—the direction and altitude of your roof—plays an extremely important role in determining the success and well-being of your green roof. As you already know, plants and greenery need adequate sunlight and oxygen to survive. Of course, some plants are a little higher maintenance than others. The exact positioning and shape of your roof could impact the amount of light your grass and plants receive, which also affects their health. When planning out your rooftop garden, it’s important to take this into consideration optimal sunlight exposure for all of your plants.
Need help planning out your green roof construction this spring? The expert landscapers and landscape management team at FOREVER GREEN LAWN & LANDSCAPE INC. can help. We’ve been installing, managing, and maintaining commercial and residential outdoor spaces in Toronto and the GTA for more than 20 years. Book your free consultation today!
