Roof landscaping
Roof Landscaping
Turn unused roof space into a practical, beautiful outdoor area with roof landscaping designed for real life. Whether you want a low maintenance green roof, a rooftop garden for entertaining, or a planted terrace that improves comfort indoors, we plan and build systems that perform in Irish weather. Our team focuses on safety, drainage, long term plant health, and a finish that looks great from day one and stays that way.
What Roof Landscaping Can Do for Your Property
Roof landscaping adds value by making better use of your building footprint. A well designed roof garden can help reduce heat gain in summer, improve insulation in cooler months, and manage rainfall by slowing runoff. It can also soften the look of modern buildings, create privacy, and provide a relaxing space for staff, residents, or guests.
We deliver solutions for homes, apartment blocks, offices, hospitality venues, and retail buildings. If you already use landscaping services at ground level, roof landscaping is a natural next step that extends the same care and design quality upward.
- Extensive green roofs with hardy planting and minimal upkeep
- Intensive roof gardens with deeper soil, shrubs, and feature planting
- Rooftop terraces with planters, seating zones, lighting, and screening
- Biodiversity roofs designed to support pollinators and native species
Our Process, From Survey to Final Planting
1. Site assessment and structural checks
Every roof is different, so we begin with a survey of access routes, load limits, exposure to wind, existing waterproofing, and drainage points. Where required, we coordinate with your engineer or building professional to confirm allowable weights and detailing. This early step prevents costly changes later and ensures the installation is safe and compliant.
2. Design, specification, and drainage planning
Good roof landscaping depends on the layers you do not see. We specify root barriers, protection layers, drainage boards, filter fabrics, and the right substrate depth for the planting plan. Drainage is designed to move water reliably while retaining enough moisture for plant health. If irrigation is needed, we plan efficient watering that suits exposure and maintenance goals.
Clients often ask for a cohesive look that matches existing outdoor spaces. We can align roof planting palettes with your wider landscaping and gardening style so the property feels consistent from entrance to rooftop.
3. Installation and finishing
Our installation includes careful handling of materials, protection of roof membranes, and tidy site management. We place substrates and plants to the agreed layout, then finish edges, gravel margins, and access paths for safe movement. Where terraces are included, we can build raised planters, screens, and durable surfaces selected for rooftop use.
Planting Choices Built for Wind, Sun, and Long Term Success
Rooftops create harsher growing conditions than ground level gardens. Wind can dry out soil quickly, sun can be intense, and shaded corners can stay damp. We select plants based on exposure, desired appearance, and maintenance capacity, using proven varieties that cope with rooftop microclimates.
- Drought tolerant planting for sunny and exposed roofs
- Shade tolerant planting for recessed areas and higher walls
- Seasonal interest with flowering and evergreen structure
- Low maintenance palettes that still look full and intentional
When required, we include wind mitigation such as taller planters, shelter planting, or screening features that protect delicate species and improve comfort for people using the space.
Maintenance and Aftercare for Roof Gardens
Roof gardens need consistent aftercare, especially during the first growing season. We offer maintenance plans that cover weeding, feeding, re planting where needed, irrigation checks, and seasonal tidy ups. This keeps the roof looking sharp and protects your investment in the underlying layers.
For property managers and businesses, scheduled visits make budgeting easier and reduce the risk of blocked outlets or stressed plants. If you already rely on garden maintenance services elsewhere on site, we can integrate roof tasks into the same routine for smooth oversight.
What to Expect When You Request a Quote
To price roof landscaping accurately, we ask a few practical questions about access, roof size, intended use, and the current condition of waterproofing. We then propose an approach that suits your budget and timeline, with clear options for planting density, substrate depth, and features such as seating zones or screening.
- Initial call and basic details
- On site survey and measurements
- Design and specification proposal
- Installation schedule and delivery plan
- Handover and maintenance guidance
If you are ready to transform an underused roof into a functional green space, we can guide you from the first assessment to a finished garden that is safe, resilient, and enjoyable to use.
FAQ
Do I need a structural engineer before installing a roof garden?
Often yes, especially for intensive roof gardens with deeper soil or features like planters and seating. We start with a site assessment and can work with your engineer to confirm load limits and safe detailing.
How do you prevent leaks when adding roof landscaping?
We protect the waterproofing with the correct layered build up, including root barriers and protection membranes, then design drainage so water moves to outlets reliably. We also avoid risky fixings and follow manufacturer specifications for rooftop systems.
What maintenance does a green roof typically need?
Extensive green roofs usually need a few visits per year for weeding, outlet checks, and light feeding. Intensive roof gardens need more regular care, including pruning, re planting, and irrigation checks, similar to a ground level garden.