Types of Plants for a Green Roof

Green roofs have a variety of benefits that make them a good choice for many homes. Once you have decided that a green roof is right for your home, it is time to choose the plants that will be installed. There are many different options, all with their own pros and cons. If you are having trouble deciding which plants to grow, the ideas below can guide you.

Mats of Plants

Some gardening nurseries carry mats of plants, particularly grasses that can be installed directly on the green roof system. This is a quick way to cover the roof with greenery and reap the benefits of garden cover. One drawback is that the mat must be installed within 12-24 hours of harvesting or the grass is likely to turn brown and die. Sod farms are the best places to purchase such mats, as they specialize in growing and maintaining such plants. Be wary of mats that are already dried out before you purchase them, as they will not hold up and may not even last through installation. Another disadvantage with sod mats is that they offer little variety. Although they can be found in a variety of grasses, there is little variation in color. If your goal is to plant a visually interesting green roof, plant mats are probably not going to provide that effect for you.

Small Plants

Just like gardens can be grown by planting small plants, so can green roofs. When installing small seedlings, it is important to cover them with a light mesh covering so that the extra wind and air movement on the roof does not dislodge them. Choose plants that are able to withstand the extreme temperature and weather changes that occur on a roof. Often, plants that can be found in deserts and along the shoreline are best bets, as they are able to thrive in extreme conditions. Delicate plants are best saved for ground level planting. If the green roof is going to double as a garden, choose plants that have a relatively quick harvest time and grow low to the ground. Tall plants, such as corn, will not hold up as well on a rooftop environment.

Clippings

Stems and leaf clippings can be put to good use when distributed over the beds of a green roof. After being covered with light mesh to hold them in place, over a period of a few months, the clippings will begin to grow and generate new plant growth. This is the most economical plant choice for a green roof, but it also requires a great deal of patience. If the clippings do not take after a certain period of time, it may require a second coating of clippings to obtain plant growth. Another drawback is that there is no control over the color scheme of the green roof grown from clippings. If color coordination is a key factor for you, growing plants from clippings is probably not the best way to go. Before choosing any type of plant growth, be sure to check with a green roof specialist to make sure that your top picks are appropriate for a green roof. With a little bit of planning your green roof can be beautiful, as well as, environmentally friendly. As always, consult an expert before beginning any green roof installation.