turf roof

[chas2008]

recently passed a new build farm unit which to me looked like it had a turfed(grass roof) it looked quite good blending into the landscape and no doubt eco friendly etc.
For fear of stating the obvious do they have to be mowed ? or what happens when they grow to much ?

[heathfield]

One answer to the problem here!

[chas2008]

very good

[Nosha123]

a more serious answer... it isnt grass that grows up there.. its a mixture of small minature waterloving plants that dont need any maintenance! (cant remember their names!)

[Twenty20]

But of course there's nothing to stop all manner of weeds, plants, bushes or trees growing on your roof just by what's carried in the air and dropped by birds. I'm not sure I'd want all that on my roof.

I'd guess it would be alright for a hobbit though.....

[heathfield]

It's a perfectly serious answer, Nosha. In Iceland, northern Scotland and the Western Isles you'll see cottages with grass turf roofs. Some owners actually encourage sheep to graze on the roof, even to the extent of lifting them up if the sheep can't manage to get up there on their own!
Water-loving plants would have a hard time of it if the roof dried out, and a few days of sunshine could kill them. Grass turf is more readily available, and is more able to survive, especially the tough hill varieties.

[Nosha123]

What is a green roof?

Green roofs are basically roofs where, instead of having tiling or felt as the outside layer, a mat consisting of either sedum or other succulents, grasses or moss is the visible layer. Underneath the living mat, a drainage system is installed, bespoke to the roof as different roofs and situations require different solutions. There are many different advantages to green roofs from excellent insulation capabilities, aiding in planning applications to simply looking good

Water loving succulents!

[chas2008]

i must say it does look impressive and certainly blends in well, but you do a double take the first time you see it.
Not to sure how it will look in the long term though..

[sddsddean]

You don't happen to live near Earls Barton chas? Alibone's new recycling shed has had one of the moss roofs put on. Apparently it will need very little maintenance. I was quite disappointed, as when I first saw it I thought it was grass and couldn't wait for them to put a little potting shed on the roof to house the lawnmower!

[Toleman]

I live in Rushden and pass the one off the A45 at Earls Barton daily. I remember seeing it put up there and thinking what the hell are they doing.


Chris

[chas2008]

the last 2 posts are spot on, yep Earls Barton..A45, it does look more like turf than moss....should be interesting in a drought situation....

[Toleman]

Noticed its starting to look more brown than 'Green'