Sunday, August 1, 2010

What Plants Should I Use For My Green Roof?

What plants should I use on my green roof?  I hear this question often.  The answer depends on your site orientation, sun exposure, rainfall amount, location, temperature zone, exposure and a host of other variables.

However I strongly suggest you take a tour around town as a first step in selecting green roof plants.  You will be surprised at what you find.  Look up at the top of buildings, old churches, in roof gutters - especially in older downtown areas.

Some of the most successful low maintenance, extensive and non-irrigated (other than natural rainfall) green roofs have been those pioneer and volunteer native plant species established and growing in gutters and along roof parapets.

If you are serious about understanding green roofs you will take the time to go, look, find, and identify the plant species growing without any additional assistance on the roof of your downtown buildings.

Though these plants may not ultimately be those you use, they will provide a solid understanding of the plant morphology and structure that does well under the influence of the 5 H’s.

1 comment:

EPDM Coatings said...

Its very difficult for me to select the best plants for green roof. I would like to suggest you that you should try to consult with some professionals. He 'll give you better idea.