Green roof substrates are the foundation of successful living roofs, yet they are often misunderstood. This article explores how evolving guidelines, industry-led innovations, and ongoing research are reshaping green roof growing media, revealing why substrate choice is critical to plant performance, long-term durability, and the future expansion of green roofs in diverse urban climates.

When nature is absent from the environments we live, work, and play, we suffer. However, intensive green roofs like rooftop gardens can bring the healing benefits of nature into urban environments. This article explores how to make “tree places’ on rooftop gardens.

Although succulent monocultures are the default for many green roofs, rewilding green roofs with wildflowers and grasses can enhance stormwater retention and make them more adaptive to extreme climate events. Learn about rewilding green roofs.

Wildlife are always on the lookout for food, water, clean air, shelter, or rest. Insects are integral to the global food web, and green roofs can provide for the food needs of wildlife. In this article, four strategies are discussed to feed and support insects on green roofs. 

Plants have long supported human health, with modern medicine using them in over half of pharmaceuticals. Recently, their biophilic benefits, like reducing stress and lowering blood pressure, have gained recognition in hospitals. This article explores a case study of an outdated medical center transformed with plants, including rooftop greenery, for therapeutic effects.