Landscape Architecture Program
Date of this Version
11-2013
Citation
Sutton, R. 2013. Rethinking Extensive Green ROofs to Lessen Emphasis on Above-Ground Biomass. Journal of Living Architecture November (2014) Issue 1 2 pp.
Abstract
In the future, most green roof applications will not be highly visible, yet these roofs will still provide the benefits of heat island reduction, stormwater control and biodiversity for hard-surfaced cities. However, human bias in wanting more biomass and visible blooms leads green roof horticulturalists and their approach of maximizing those aspects down a slippery slope that, in turn, leads to increased hours of labor, over-watering and fertilizing and specifying too many cultivars