GINKGO maintenance green roofs

Green roofs don’t maintain themselves.

A dynamic maintenance plan ensures that issues like erosion, weeds and involuntary species are prevented or resolved. This protects the lifespan of the green roof and the original investment. Our seamless approach limits disruption to planners, developers and construction crews as we schedule visits based on availability and the condition of the roof.

You’ll see the difference maintenance makes.

Here are a few things to consider.

• Our crews will need access to enter premises, we work with property or site management to schedule visits during the times that work best for them.
• It takes approximately two years for newly installed green roofs to take root and reach a level of maturity. Upfront visits are key to preservation and generally take place monthly from May to November, or seven times annually.
• Access points such as stairwells and elevators will be required to safely transport supplies to the site.
• With new construction it’s important to factor in what stage the project is at, as trades may unintentionally do damage to the green installations.

• Addresses unwanted growth in the early stages so they don’t take over.
• Creates a safe and consistent habitat for biodiversity.
• Ensures that vegetative coverage is achieved, and the building receives all grants it is entitled to.
• Limits costly repairs due to maintenance neglect.

Do green roofs need maintenance?

Absolutely. Once the roots are established, they can be low maintenance, but there is no such thing as a maintenance free roof. Even conventional roofs require periodic check-ups to assess any damage that can lead to large repair costs down the road.

Ongoing maintenance guarantees that the plants are healthy, and the green roof is functioning according to manufacturer guidelines and warranties. Without regular maintenance we subject the roof to invasive species, overgrowth into vegetation free zones, erosion from wind exposure and nutrient deficiencies.

A maintenance program during the first few years after a roof is installed means upfront costs will result in lower maintenance down the road and a healthy green roof for decades.

Maintenance neglect during this period typically results in costly future vegetation replacement and other avoidable repairs.

What services does GINKGO offer for routine maintenance?

We are your one stop solution. Our services cover fertilization, dispersal of soil and mulch to combat erosion, weeding, irrigation, the clearing of root-free zones, and trimming as required. We will provide you with an automated report per visit to reflect the work done.

During routine visits, our team looks for any issues on the roof itself and is proactive with what needs to be done. Issues can run from pooling water, broken skylights or damaged siding. Our reports show our findings.

Every green roof is different. GINKGO does soil testing annually to assess and address nutrient levels with a fertilizer tailored to the roof. We specialize in large and small vegetation repairs to ensure full coverage and regenerative growth.

How often should my green roof receive maintenance?

We begin with a site assessment. This determines the health of the vegetation and roof system that was installed. The next step is a maintenance proposal outlining our recommendations based on the specific needs of the roof. Our packages can range from a bi-weekly maintenance visit to one every few months. Generally, we suggest a visit monthly from May to November. When a green roof is fully established site visits are typically four times a season.

How much should I budget for green roof maintenance?

The cost is always customized based on the roofs’ needs and is informed by multiple factors. There is rarely a “one size fits all” pricing as an estimate is based on design, site conditions, square meters covered, and the history of maintenance or the lack thereof.

As a starting point annual budget allocations range from $600 to $1,500 for small private residential projects, $2,000 to $6,000 for commercial green roofs and most multi-use residential buildings, and upwards of $15,000 to $30,000 for large and multiple green roofs on complexes like shopping malls and institutional buildings.

An upfront site assessment will best determine what needs to be done and how it can be achieved within your budget.