If you live in the city, you probably have very limited space for gardening yet enjoy outdoor activities. When this is the case, it just makes good sense to make the most use of all the space you have. Have you ever considered developing your rooftop? These days, more and more people are turning to rooftop gardening as a way of making the most of the space they are already paying for. In this article, we will discuss the steps you should take to create a beautiful garden on your roof. Read on to learn more.
Keep It Legal!
Before you do anything at all, find out what is allowed. If you are a homeowner, check your local ordinances to be certain that your plans are in compliance. If you are a renter, you will naturally need to check with your landlord before you make any additions or changes.
Keep It Safe!
No matter how handy you may be or how good a gardener you are, you will need professional help installing a garden on your rooftop. Engage the services of a contractor who can assess your building to be certain that it is safe and strong.
A qualified contractor can make recommendations for any necessary improvements and reinforcement. He or she can also help you plan your garden successfully to make the best use of space while adding the least weight to your building.
Check with your insurance agent about the cost and requirements involved in adjusting your homeowner’s policy to include this improvement. You want to be sure you are completely insured before you start spending time on your roof!
Use Composite Products Over Timber
Composite Decking, Composite Cladding and other composite additions provide customers with a robust, low maintenance and sound investment. There is usually more choice on offer and most credible companies provide free samples which is great for fans of ‘try before you buy’.
Take Wind Into Account!
Remember that the wind is always higher at a higher level. If you want to enjoy relaxing on your rooftop, you will need to build in a series of windbreaks. Your goal will be to baffle the wind rather than to block it. Use a series of latticed windbreaks and trellises to slow down the force of the wind. Avoid using solid windbreaks because these are likely to end up sailing off on the breeze.
Plan For Watering
Be sure to invest in a good watering system. You can either have plumbing installed to run a sprinkler system from your municipal water supply or have a water catchment system installed. Either way, be sure that water is close at hand and that you don’t have to carry buckets of water up to your rooftop. This can take all the fun and enjoyment out of rooftop gardening!
Lighten Your Load!
Even if your building is quite strong and can handle a lot of extra weight, you will want to keep your garden as lightweight as possible. For example, if you are doing a container garden you should keep all of your choices on the light side including:
* Purchase specially prepared lightweight potting soil.
* Choose planting containers made of fiberglass, foam or plastic.
* Use Styrofoam packing peanuts instead of pottery shards or stones for drainage in the bottom of pots.
Remember that every ounce counts, so you will want to make lightweight choices across the board when planning and building a garden on your roof.
Enjoy The Fruits Of Your Labors
Planning and installing a garden on your rooftop can be a great deal of work, but in the end it’s well worth it. It can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs and provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable place to relax and unwind. If you choose to plant edible crops, your garden can also improve your diet and reduce your grocery costs. A well-designed, properly functioning rooftop garden can increase the monetary and the soft value of your home.
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