Tag: green infrastructure

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Types of Green Roofs

Two basic types of green roofs are commonly constructed; extensive and intensive.

I. Extensive Green Roofs

PROS

  • Uses shallow soil medium making it lighter weight
  • Harsh conditions favor drought tolerant plants such as sedums
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Relatively low cost
  • Pre-planted modules are available for ease of installation

CONS

  • May require occasional maintenance such as weeding
  • May require additional irrigation during extended dry periods

II. Intensive Green Roofs

PROS

  • Uses deeper soil medium
  • Can support trees
  • Can use a large variety
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Green Roofs as Water Wise Landscapes

What is a Green Roof?

A green roof is any roof of a building or structure covered or partially covered with vegetation. Other names for green roofs include: eco-roof, nature roof, vegetated roof covers, and living roofs.

Green roofs have a long history dating back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and traditional sod roofs used on Scandinavia houses. Germany currently leads the world in green roof technology.

Many cities around the world are adopting green roof technology. Green roofs …

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Water Harvesting: Passive Use in the Landscape

Water harvesting is the practice of collecting rain or stormwater for later use.  Water can be collected directly in the landscape or diverted into storage tanks for later use. Water harvesting is a great complement to a water wise landscape.

Why Harvest Water?

  • Reduces waste of a valuable resource
  • Reduces pollutants to area streams and rivers by keeping water on site
  • Collect water for later use on landscape plants (check local and state water ordinances)
  • Stormwater contaminants can be
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Water Harvesting: Active Collection for Later Use

Water harvesting for later use involves collecting rainwater in a tank of some kind. Tanks can be as simple as a sturdy garbage can under a downspout or as complex as a large underground tank and pump.

Why Collect Water for Later Use?

  • Can reduce water bills
  • Saves a valuable resource
  • Rainwater is free of salts and other minerals or chemicals that may be harmful to plants
  • Reduces pollutants to area streams and rivers by keeping water on site and
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