Trees Of Green Roofs

For color all year choose small slow growing evergreen trees for rooftop gardens.

Trees of green roofs.

Grey leaved trees do well on a roof. Intensive green roofs have more soil and a deeper growing medium sometimes several feet that can support a more diverse plant selection including small trees. Two of the most important areas to have a plan for are drainage and tree stabilization. Thus they have more substantial structural loads and need more frequent maintenance and watering.

Succulents such as sedum are often chosen for extensive green roofs because they withstand harsh conditions and minimize water loss. Trees are dominant elements in any landscape and on a green roof trees will generally be stunted in height and spread when compared to those planted at ground level. While many small trees to five metres can be successfully grown on substrate depths of 600 mm depths of 1 000 mm or greater will ensure the best outcomes are achieved. Using green roofs in cities or other built environments with limited vegetation can moderate the heat island effect particularly during the day.

Green roof garden designs are usually one of two types. Intensive green roofs are rooftop gardens where trees shrubs and herbaceous plants are grown. Green roofs provide shade remove heat from the air and reduce temperatures of the roof surface and surrounding air. Multi trunk trees are not only trendy but also very suitable for roof gardens.

Succulents are one type of plant that utilizes crassulacean acid metabolism cam. Topiary trees not to be confused with trained trees are often also a good option. Rooftop gardens are oftentimes public spaces usually have specialized irrigation systems and may incorporate courtyards paths and seating areas. With a total depth of 20 inches up to several feet they require two different types of media to provide the right mix of aeration and organic matter for the deeper root zone which this rooflite soil system provides.

A green roof or rooftop garden is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop. The dwarf variety of the hinoki false cypress chamaecyparis obtusa nana lutea which grows in usda zones 5. Container gardens on roofs where plants are maintained in pots are not generally considered to be true green roofs although. Luckily there is plenty of choice.

When you include trees on a green roof as an integral part of a high tech building structure you need to consider many details and have a good strategy to ensure your trees thrive over the long term.