roof top landscaping green roof
Blog Landscape Management Landscape Renovation Sustainable Landscaping - 3 min read

What’s a Green Roof?

roof top landscaping green roof

What’s a green roof? Well, it’s not a new, on-trend color scheme! Green roofs and walls are dramatically changing urban architecture and landscapes. Green roofs for apartments and commercial buildings offer a way for urban and suburban landscapes to incorporate more plant life into the surrounding environment. They provide a variety of benefits, presenting tremendous opportunities for areas with limited landscaping space.

How are Green Roofs and Walls Covered with Vegetation?

Green roofs and walls involve more than mounting or installing flower and foliage-filled pots to the sides and top of your building. They are comprehensive systems featuring a waterproof membrane and root barrier that house plant life in a range of sizes from short, creeping groundcover to flowers, shrubs, and small trees. Green roofs also commonly include greywater capture and treatment systems and irrigation and drainage to support plant health and ensure sustainable management.

Why Add Green Roofs and Walls to Your Commercial Space?

Choosing green roofing and walls over traditional options offers distinct advantages. These unique systems use the natural function of plants to support the environment. Green roofs and walls insulate and regulate temperature, reducing the urban heat island effect. In the average three-story building, they can reduce energy use by up to 25%. They reduce air pollution, capturing particulates and absorbing carbon. Green roofs and walls also serve as a habitat for native wildlife while offering opportunities for food production.

How Will a Green Roof Impact My Current Roof Design?

Green roofing is a great way to breathe color and life into barren, blank spaces while creating a more sustainable landscape design. In addition to great looks, upgrading to green roofing improves roof performance and lifespan. It also dramatically decreases stormwater runoff, controlling pooling and puddling issues surrounding your building, walkways, and parking areas.

How Can I Add Green Roofs and Walls to My Commercial Landscape Design?

Lauren Galanes, our San Francisco Branch Manager and Certified Green Roof Professional, has the skills and expertise to help you incorporate green roofing and walls into your landscape to achieve positive change. Our landscape design experts know how to support the environment and add visual interest with green roof and wall systems. We also offer professional green roof management. Our knowledgeable commercial landscape contractors know how to cater to the unique needs of plants in the green roofing environment and protect your investment.

Create a more sustainable commercial landscape design with green roofs and walls. Contact Gachina Landscape Management at 650-853-0400 to schedule a sustainable landscape design consultation for your San Jose Bay Area, Palo Alto, Burlingame, Pleasanton, Hayward, Fremont, Livermore, or Walnut Creek area property today.