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Gregory |
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Some of our clients that are up against compressed construction schedules or desire an "instant green" product are finding that pre-vegetated mats are a good alternative to the conventional "planted in place" extensive greenroof and modular tray systems. In most cases these mats are falling around $5-6 per sq. ft. (not including installation or shipping). In some cases, where lightweight systems are desired these systems might even be a little less expensive, especially if you can incorporate local materials and have a large enough roof to take advantage of economies of scale.
Normally, these mats will take between 6 months to grow to about 80% coverage and are often propagated with cuttings at about 35 lbs./ 1,000 sq. ft. These cuttings cost about $10/ lb. for the plant material and what you would expect to pay if you planted plugs 2 plants per sq. ft.
In addition, if you design the assembly properly there is a good chance that you will be able to save about $.25/ sq. ft. on maintenance costs during the normal two year establishment period for traditional built up assemblies. In more temperate climates, you might even be able to get away with less soil depth if you use a moisture retention and drainage mat in conjunction with the pre-vegetated system. Down in the south you can reduce the soil depth down to as much as 2" inches but I would highly recommend having a drip irrigation system in place between two moisture retention mats. Of course knowing your plants moisture and nutrient requirements will ultimately affect your plant selection.
Pre-vegetated mats are perfect for many metal frame and metal deck buildings that can support at least 15 lbs./ sq. ft. of deadloads. These assemblies are already becoming popular for many "big box" retailers, manufacturing facilities, air conditioned warehouses, military institutions, and single and two story structures. We are anticipating that pre-vegetated mats will used on approximately 50% of our projects moving forward because they can also be designed for sloped applications.
So, what do you think can "instand gratification" also be affordable?
Photo credit: Xeroflora
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