Irrigation of Intensive Green Roof Systems
The total absence of or the provision of inadequate irrigation systems is one of the commonest reasons for planting failures on green roofs, or within planters. Here we take a quick look at some of the pressures and solutions for providing much-needed irrigation to our green spaces, but with an emphasis on green roofs.
With increasing urbanisation and higher density living; planners, landscape architects and architects are trying to provide more affordable, high-quality, desirable living spaces that each have a sense of unique identity, these locations very often incorporate green spaces or green elements within their designs. This is all well and good, however, without providing the necessary elements for the plants to thrive, i.e. light, water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrient and a means to anchor their roots, no matter how well-meaning the intentions are the long-term performance of the trees, shrubs or vegetation is undoubtedly compromised.
So why do we see so many planters incorporating trees and hedging that could quickly exceed these basic requirements for growth – least of all water?
There are numerous permanent irrigation solutions available on the market, supplied either as part of the planter solution or as optional extras – these can either be automated or manually operated. Why go to all the expense of providing a planter and planting and possibly missing out on years of enjoyment for a small increase in the installation cost?
Permanent Irrigation Components
Typically, but not necessarily exclusively, a permanent irrigation system includes the following components
1. Mains water and power
2. Tank, pump and housing
3. Control box or programmer
4. Water feed pipes, solenoids and associated signal cabling
5. A means of applying the water i.e. drippers or pop-up sprinklers
6. Finally, training!
There’s little point in offering an automatic irrigation system unless the operator understands how to program and operate the controls. Training for the FM provider or client is very important unless the irrigation system is operated remotely by a third party via the web.
This all might sound a bit complicated and another problem to think about but you might be surprised at how compact and simple some of the systems are. Blackdown would be happy to offer any advice and discuss your requirements with you.
Built-in Irrigation Reservoirs
Alternatively, if your pockets don’t stretch to an automated system, then there are many other non-automated solutions that could make a big difference to the performance, health and longevity of your planting – provided that there is a maintenance provider to actually manage them, regularly.
By specifying the correct green roof system or planter to suit the final planting density and, very importantly the carefully considered plant, applying sound annual horticultural practices; such as mulching, feeding, a structured maintenance programme and installing the plant at a size that enables it to slowly acclimatise itself to its new environment can mean less reliance on expensive permanent irrigation systems.
Should you wish to discuss your project requirements with Blackdown please contact us on 01460 234582
Comments are closed.
Search Blog
Recent Posts
- BREEAM Excellent certified Conwy Culture Centre contributes to a green future with a new Alumasc roof
- A great support system for UEA’s new science building: Roof-Pro supports get full marks
- Whitechapel Station roof canopy transformed with Blackdown Greenroofs’ NatureMat®
- Creating Paradise: Alumasc delivers for the complete building envelope for One Chamberlain Square Paradise project
- Alumasc’s carbon dioxide neutralising roofing helps NTU stay one of UK’s most environmentally friendly universities
- Alumasc provides long lasting roofing solution for one of London's premier new addresses: The Whitehouse Apartments
- Roof-Pro Top of the Class at Tonyrefail School
- Blackdown Greenroofs provides exclusive roof gardens for the residents of The Old Vinyl Factory, West London.
- A carbon dioxide neutralising roof? Dundee University benefits from Olivine roofing from Alumasc Roofing Systems
- Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) on Welsh new developments are now mandatory
Categories
- Apprenticeships
- Awards
- Blackdown
- Blue Roofs
- Budget Management
- Caltech Liquid Waterproofing
- Charity
- CPDs
- derbibrite
- Derbigum
- Eco Roofs
- Envelope Solution
- Euroroof
- Exhibitions & Events
- FAQs
- Flat Roof Membranes
- Government Frameworks
- Green Roofs
- Guardrail
- Hot Melt
- Hybrid Insulation
- Hydrotech
- LABC
- LHC
- Liquid Roofing
- Local Authority
- Maintenance
- Monoscreed
- New Build
- NFRC
- NHBC
- Passive House
- Product Lifespan
- Refurbishment
- Registered Contractors
- Roof Surveys
- Roof-Pro
- Roofing
- Roofing Industry Information
- Single Ply Roofing Membrane
- Single Source
- Single Source Solutions
- solar reflective
- Stormwater Management
- SuDS
- Sustainability
- The Team
- Uncategorised
- Uncategorized
- Waterproofing
- Work Experience
Archives
- March 2020
- February 2020
- December 2019
- October 2019
- August 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- July 2012
- May 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- December 2011
- September 2011
- July 2011
- May 2011
- March 2011
- January 2011
- November 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010