re: GRO’s article about Green Roofs and Irrigation in Harsher Climates

We’ve been hearing more about saving rainwater to help keep green roofs watered in dry times or climate.

We recently read the article: Green Roofs And Irrigation: How To Save Water | Green Roof Organisation

This article really reminds you what green roofs are all about - embracing, prioritizing, and enjoying nature. While there are even better climates for green roofs, many award-winning green roofs come from Canada. And while we’d love for our green roofs to be green 365 days a year, irrigating or artificially watering them is costly and not ideal for the environment.

Instead, you should do things like: install green roofs in rain season, choose your ‘plant-palette’ wisely (there are plants that are resistant to dry conditions and adaptable to your building’s environment), and incorporate a water retention system to water the roof in drier areas.

In North America, green roofs are known to take on a gold/red look as they naturally react to the harsher conditions. When it rains, these roofs pleasantly regain their greener look too. Many building owners appreciate and embrace it when planning. Consider this closing statement by the author:

“Waste should always be avoided. Should a buildings’ manager find that irrigation is needed frequently,  it’s probably time to re-evaluate the plant palette. Or even, if possible, modify the design of the green roof.”

If you require irrigation for your green roof, we’ll work with you to ensure the most efficient irrigation possible.