Caring for your green roof all year round
Green roofs are a brilliant way to bring life, beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space – whether it’s on a wheelie bin and recycling store, bike shelter or log store. Like anything in the garden, they need a little seasonal attention to keep them thriving. With the right care at the right time of year, your green roof can stay healthy, colourful and wildlife-friendly throughout the seasons.
Spring
In spring, it’s worth giving your green roof a gentle refresh. Removing any weeds or wind-blown seeds that may have settled over winter will help your chosen plants grow without competition. Clearing away dead leaves allows spring perennials to flourish, and a slow-release fertiliser can provide sedum and wildflowers with an extra boost as they wake up. If rainfall has been light, watering the roof will also help to kickstart new growth.
Summer
Summer is the season to keep an eye on water levels and enjoy the display of flowers. Sedum is drought tolerant, but in prolonged hot spells it benefits from an occasional drink, while wildflowers may need more frequent care. This is also the time when pollinators will be most active, so it is best to avoid any sprays or chemicals that could cause harm. Trimming back plants that grow too vigorously ensures that all species have the chance to shine.
Autumn
As autumn arrives, your green roof begins to prepare for rest. Cutting back wildflowers once they have gone to seed will help to keep things tidy, and scattering those seeds back onto the roof encourages natural reseeding for the following year. It is also a good idea to remove fallen leaves. A final light feed, if needed, will support plants before the colder weather sets in.
Winter
During winter, most green roofs need very little attention. Sedum often changes colour and goes dormant, which is completely normal and can add texture to your space. Your Bluum green roof product has been designed to withstand frost and heavy rain, so, otherwise, it is best to leave the roof largely untouched. Seed heads and stems provide valuable shelter and food for birds and insects during the colder months, so resisting the urge to over-tidy will benefit local wildlife.
With just a little seasonal care, your green roof can flourish year after year. Not only will it look stunning, but it will also provide a habitat for pollinators and a splash of greenery in even the smallest of spaces. If you are inspired to create your own, explore our planters and storage with integrated green roofs.