While redeveloping our house we decided to install a living roof on our kitchen roof why you ask.
Plant grass on a roof.
I liked the idea of having a bit more greenery in the property we live.
Build a living roof green roof.
Protect your lawn use a wind blanket and cover the roof to protect your grass seeds.
A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium planted over a waterproofing membrane it may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.
In areas with many buildings the grass not only insulates but retains storm water can improve water quality and has cosmetic appeal.
A simple drip irrigation system connected to your garden hose and a water timer is enough for your grass roof.
Green roofs can range from roof gardens with raised beds and pots to rolled out green carpets to shed roofs containing planting cells that are filled with soil or compost and planted up with low growing perennials and grasses.
If a roof is designed to soak up water and remove contaminants in the water during storm events species that use water effectively and that accumulate nutrients should be explored.
Planting a green roof.
Next step is planting the grass seeds.
Taking cuttings or sowing seed to grow on and transplant will of course be cheaper still.
These are the mainstays of any green roof and should form the bulk of the planting unless provisions are made for the roof to support soil deeper than the 3 to 4 inches that is typical.
Growing grass on a roof insulates your house and help with the heat island effect.
Ready to roll carpets of sedum are easiest but you should also be able to find plug trays of sedums and other plants sold specifically for green roofs which will work out cheaper.
If you plant grass the roof will need to able to hold your body while you are performing maintenance such as mowing fertilizing and watering.
Plant selection for stormwater management.
Finally it s time for the plants.
Perhaps the reason grass roofs were originally used hundreds of years ago is the plants role in insulating the home.
Container gardens on roofs where plants are maintained in pots are not generally considered to be true green roofs although.
Choose seeds that are the best suited for the area where you live.
The plants can keep warmth within the home in the winter as well as keep the.
Make a normal flat or sloped roof into a beautiful living garden.
Plant the grass seeds.