Green Roofs have been installed in the US, in places such as Chicago City Hall, and more are planned, like Ford’s River Rouge renovation in Detroit. However, our roof conditions are substantially different than those in Germany. A roof environment in Frankfurt is quite different from one in Atlanta, or Phoenix, or Minneapolis. So, while principles can be applied, Americans need information about our specific conditions.

Plant size and selection depends on the depth of the roof overburden (growing medium) and local climate, but the plants are almost always drought tolerant. Low growing plants such as grasses, sedums, and other cactus-like plants are used where the depth is only a few inches. Where the medium depth is several feet, shrubs and even small trees can be used. Although most easily used on flat roofs, a low pitch roof can also be “greened”. Green Roofs also represent a significant niche market for horticulturists, especially propagators, who would supply plants for these roofs.

Epworth Manor, Tyrone, PA A Garland Company Roof		aesthetically pleasing
		reduce city "heat island" effect
		reduce carbon dioxide impact
		reduce summer air conditioning cost
		reduce winter heat demand
		lengthen roof life by two to three times
		remove nitrogen pollution in rain
		neutralize acid rain effect
		reduces noise
		reduce stormwater runoff
		provides songbird habitat