Eco-Roofs Brochure and Specifications PDF - Eco-Roofs Green ...

Eco-Roofs’ 



Eco-Roofs 

45 years of quality 


Eco-Roofs, LLC 

BY ECO-ROOFS, LLC

Benefits of a Green Roof 

Ø Storm Water Management 

Ø Reduction of Heat Island Effect 

Ø Air Purification 

Ø Reduction in Energy Usage 

Ø Noise Reduction 

Ø Visual and Aesthetic Benefits 

Ø Increased Lifetime Expectancy 

of Waterproofing Membrane 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Benefits of a Modular Green Roof 

Ø Ability to Fully Establish the Trays BEFORE Installation 

Ø Lower Cost 

Ø Easier and Less Intrusive Leak Detection 

Ø Faster and Easier Installation 

Ø Your Customer Will Love the Way it Looks 

Reasons to Install an 

Eco-Roofs Green Roof 

Ø 45 Years of Horticultural Growing Experience 

Ø Flexible and Helpful Sales and Support Staff 

Ø Accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRP) 

Ø Healthiest and Strongest Plant Establishment 

Ø One Source for All Types of Green Roofs 

Ø Trays Delivered on Rolling Racks 

Ø Easier and Faster Installation 

Ø Lower Price 

Background photos of Eco-Roofs’ modules grown on spec in the summer of 2010 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

3

Pre-Grown 

Three Year 

Progression 

Installation (Top) in 2009 

2nd Year (Right) in 2010 

3rd Year (Below) in 2011 

Corporate Headquarters, 

Wisconsin 

www.eco-roofs.com 

The Eco-Roofs 

Difference 

questions@eco-roofs.com 

4

The Pre-Grown Advantage 

Research and experience has proven that pre-establishment 

of a green roof is the single most important 

factor in long term survivability and performance on a 

green roof. A roof is a harsh, unnatural environment so 

to achieve plant establishment on the roof after installation 

requires additional resources, equipment, labor 

and costs. All of this can be greatly reduced by allowing 

a few weeks of pre-establishment at the Nursery 

prior to installation. Eco-Roofs’ pre-grown systems 

instantly provide all of the green roof benefits such as 

storm water management, heat island cooling, energy 

use reduction and noise reduction. Last but not least, 

they look fantastic immediately upon installation. 

RIGHT: By June, the pre-grown trays 

are in full bloom while the just plugged trays 

are showing little if any change. 

These trays only received natural rainfall. 

RIGHT: Finally in June 2011, 

all of the trays are at equal establishment 

but only after regular fertilizing 

and watering. Pre-growing 

proved better results and faster establishment 

with much less effort 

and overall cost. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Installation Day, 2011, Chicago, IL 

A Comparison Test 

LEFT: March 2009, shortly after installation. 

Top rows of trays were pre-grown in 2008, left outside 

overwinter with no care and installed. Bottom 

rows of trays were plugged shortly before installation. 

LEFT: One year later, March 2010, and still no growth 

on the just plugged trays while the top trays, though still in 

winter dormancy, are full and ready for spring. 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

5


12 - 15 Week 

Summer Growing Lead Time 

All it takes to get the Eco-Roofs’ pre-grown advantage is about 12-15 weeks 

of summer growing lead time. 45 years in the nursery business growing green roof 

plants, groundcovers and perennials has taught us that plants are as alive and capricious 

as humans and animals. We don’t make exact determinations of when summer 

growing starts or finishes, we’ll work with you to achieve the most established plants 

available within your time constraints. 

Experience has also taught us some general guidelines. Typically we like to get 

spring batches growing in late April or early May with an anticipated ready date in 

August; June for September, July for October. Once we get past July, the days get 

short too fast and the plants start slowing down into dormancy, getting ready for winter. 

We can still start growing but they don’t usually fully establish until mid-June of 

the following year. 

All of these time frames are based on the standard Sedum plant selections. Custom 

plant choices may take longer to establish depending on the varieties chosen. 


6

Production Line 

We take great pride in our modules. 

Eco-Roofs has an exclusive 

agreement* with Twixwood Nursery to 

grow our modules. 

In the mid 1960s, George and 

Lou Kimmel took the centennial family 

farm from a productive fruit and vegetable 

farm to a cutting edge groundcover 

and perennial nursery. 45 years 

later, Twixwood Nursery is one of the 

top 100 growers in the nation and has 

4 growing facilities with nearly 1.5 

million square feet under plastic and 

hundreds of acres of outdoor container 

and stock fields. We’re still growing 

groundcovers on the family farm here 

in the heart of America. 

Over the years, Twixwood has 

provided many plants for built-in-place 

green roof systems as well as keeping 

Midwestern landscapers and garden 

centers provided with quality groundcovers 

at an affordable price. 

With this exclusive agreement we 

keep the entire process in our control; 

from filling the flats and planting the 

plants, to providing all the care they 

need until they ship out the door to you. 

Just Plugged Modules 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

By keeping everything 

in house we also save costs 

allowing us to pass the savings 

on to you without any 

reduction in quality. 

*Occasionally, on a perjob 

basis, Eco-Roofs will contract 

with local growers to meet regional 

specifications. 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

7


Plugs vs. Cuttings 

Eco-Roofs partnership with Twixwood Nursery gives 

us the backing of 45 years of experience growing groundcovers 

and perennials. When the Kimmels started Twixwood Nursery, 

they were not new to the green industry. Their ancestors had settled 

the county and farmed it for generations. One of the basic principles 

that farmers and nurserymen know is that when it comes to plants, what 

is below ground matters far more than what is above. That is why we 

choose to use plugs rather than cuttings in our green roof trays as much as 

possible. 

Eco-Roofs decided surface beauty wasn’t enough, so we take cuttings 

and carefully nurture them in a controlled greenhouse environment until they 

are solidly rooted. You can pick them up and the whole plug, soil and tops, 

will come out solid and held together by the roots. Then we put them outside 

and harden them off so they are tough and ready for the roof. 

Only then do we take those plugs and plant them into our green roof 

trays, care for them for another 12-15 weeks (see previous pages) and ship a 

solid, healthy, fully rooted plant to you with beautiful foliage. 

Custom grown trays vary as specified, but in our standard pre-grown 

tray options we use 8-15 plugs per tray with 6-8 different varieties of 

Sedum to give each tray the best chance possible of long term survival 

on virtually every roof. The establishment time at the Nursery gives 

you solid, carpet like coverage while still providing the texture 

of height and color variations among the individual species to 

interest the eye. 

Background Photo: 

Pre-Grown Speculation 

Trays, Summer 2011 


8

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Stock Fields for 

Quality 

As part of our commitment 

to affordable quality, Eco-Roofs 

and Twixwood Nursery maintain 

large fields of stock plants 

so we are not dependant on others 

to provide for our needs. We 

currently grow dozens of varieties 

of Sedum and are continually 

adding new varieties. We also 

grow hundreds of other varieties 

of groundcovers and perennials. 

This unique position allows 

us to provide pre-grown 

trays, plugs, cuttings, vegetated 

mat, roof gardens, planters, and 

more. 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

9

Eco-Roofs’ Cover Photo 

Project Case Study 

This project shown in our cover photograph was a 

2010 installation in the Chicagoland area featuring a custom 

grow based on the customer’s plant selection and design. 

The cover photo was taken during the second year, 

June 2011. Eco-Roofs’ Standard 4” deep trays (see pages 

11-16) were pre-grown with 3 separate plant mixes to create 

the final design. The project was over 6000 square feet 

in size. 

Installation of the dormant green roof trays began in 

November. 


The contractor 

on this project chose 

to use Eco-Roofs’ 

double crane cradle 

(see page 36) to lift 

the rolling racks to 

the roof (photo left.) 

A non-woven geotextile slip sheet was used for a protection 

fabric (see pages 28-29) and black aluminum edging 

(see page 34) was used for the perimeter containment. 

Less than a year later they are lush, full, blooming and 

beautiful. 


10

Standard Trays

TRAY SPECIFICATIONS FOR 

• Size: 12” x 24” (2 square feet) 

STANDARD TRAYS 

• Depth: 3.3” standard 

— 4” and 6” soil depth options available with biodegradable liner 

• Weight: 

Maximum fully saturated weight with mature plant foliage: 

3.3”: 23 pounds per square foot (average dry weight: 18 lbs/sf) 

4”: 29 pounds per square foot (average dry weight: 21 lbs/sf) 


• Material: 100% recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic 

4” & 6” deep trays: 100% recycled biodegradable coir liner 

• Wall Thickness: 150 mil 

• Color: Black 

• Handles: Each end 

green roof system 

• Drainage: 46 holes (3/8”) in bottom of tray; Molded channels in both 

directions in bottom of tray. 

• Water Reservoirs: Minimal to avoid root rot 

• Media: Engineered growing media meets German FLL guidelines 

• Plant Types: Standard Sedum. Can be grown to full establishment 

(95%+ coverage) with enough lead time. Other approved plants may 

be possible. 



12 



Standard Trays 

Handle 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Molded 

Drain 

Channels 

Drainage 

Holes 

Minimal 

Water 

Reservoirs 

Narrow 

Sidewalls 

Molded 

Drain 

Channels Handle 

Drainage 

Holes 

Sedum and most 

other plants will die 

faster from having their 

roots in puddles of water 

than they will from drying 

out. While stormwater 

management is one 

of the great benefits of 

green roofs, it is critical 

to plant survival that 

excess water be moved 

away from the roots. 

More than 40, 3/8” 

diameter drainage holes, 

shallow drainage wells 

and molded channels (in 

both directions) allow 

excess water to flow to 

the roof drains. 

Molded finger grips 

at each end provide a 

solid handle to easily 

and safely carry the trays 

during installation. 

150 mil sidewalls 

give strength and stability 

to the tray so it won’t 

bow or cave while maintaining 

a narrow profile 

for invisibility under 

mature plant foliage. 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

13 



Biodegradable 

Recycled Coir Liner 


Standard Trays 

4” & 6” Deep 

Options 

To service those roofs where the 

specifications call for deeper modules 

or where more soil depth is required 

due to desired plant varieties, Eco- 

Roofs has developed deeper options 

to our Standard 3.3” deep trays. 

Deep modules are custom grown 

and require 12-15 weeks of summer 

growing lead time (see page 5). Edging 

or perimeter containment is required 

to hold the biodegradable liner. 

There is no difference in performance 

between the 3.3” deep and 4” 

deep modules. The 6” deep option 

does allow for a greater plant selection. 

Supplemental irrigation will expand 

the plant selection further. 

Please call for more details. 

Below: 3.3” and 4” 

Comparison 

Left: Newly Planted 

4” Deep Modules 


14 



Standard Trays Related Supplies 

Eco-Roofs’ expertise and speciality is in the plants and growing. 

We offer the following supplies as a service to our customers and 

make minimum recommendations where we feel they are needed. 

More information on the individual items can be found in the Supplies 

section beginning on page 27. 

Eco-Roofs’ recommends that at minimum, a slip sheet is used 

between the green roof trays and the roofing membrane. Roofing 

membrane manufacturers, roofing specialists, specifications or others 

may ask for a specific material that could override these recommendations. 

Minimum slip sheet recommendation: 

8 oz. non-woven geotextile. 

Enhanced protection & root barrier recommendation: 

30 mil LLDPE/HDPE. 

The beauty of Eco-Roofs’ 3.3” Standard trays is in their simplicity. 

Roll out a slip sheet or protection fabric and set the trays out 

and you will have an exceptional green roof. Edging can be used for 

its aesthetic appeal or for other reasons and the deeper trays (4” and 

6”) do require perimeter containment due to the biodegradable liners 

that will break down over time. 

Standard recommendation: 

Mill finish aluminum metal edging 

Eco recommendation (economical & ecologically friendly): 

100% recycled PVC edging 

Recommendations by tray depth: 

3.3” deep Standard trays: 

8 oz. non-woven geotextile or 30 mil LLDPE 

4” deep Standard trays: 


4” aluminum or PVC edging 

6” deep Standard trays: 


6.5” aluminum or 6” PVC edging 

Photos are of the installation of a green 

roof on the Otter House at the Potawatomi 

Zoo, South Bend, Indiana using a nonwoven 

geotextile slip sheet and mill finish 

aluminum edging. 

The installation was an early spring installation 

while the 3.3” deep Standard trays 

(pre-grown on speculation in 2010 to full 

coverage) were still dormant. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

15 



For Every Application 

Think your project is too small for a green roof? Think again! The photo above is of Eco-Roofs’ Standard trays being 

installed at a community garden in Wisconsin. The design is patterned after a Norwegian Torvtak, a sod roof. Eco-Roofs 

has supplied many trays for small projects from chicken coops to patio decks. Much of this is possible because of our pregrown 

spec trays. 

Eco-Roofs maintains a large stock of pre-grown 

trays which are usually available for immediate shipment. 

These trays are planted with 8-15 plugs of 6-8 varieties of 

Sedum and have proven to be solid performers year after 

year on roofs all over the country. 

Think you missed a deadline and it’s too late in the 

year? Can’t wait 3-4 months for a custom grow? Eco-Roofs 

has you covered. 

The trays we pre-grow are maintained outdoors so 

they are acclimated and can be installed throughout the year. 

Eco-Roofs recommends that trays be installed after spring 

frosts and before fall frosts, but with the right planning even 

midwinter, dormant installations are possible when temperatures 

are above freezing. 

Spec trays are available on a first come, first served 

basis until reserved with a down payment. 

Right: Dormant Installation in January, 

Washington D.C. 



16

advanced green roof built-up / bio-diverse 

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA’S OFFICE Grand Rapids, MI 

Advanced Green Roof Trays 

eco-roofs, llc • P.O. Box 8, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 • Phone: 269.471.7408 • Fax: 800.854.1756 • questions@eco-roofs.com • www.eco-roofs.com 

advanced green roof 

Patent Pending Technology developed by Advanced Green Architecture 

PATENT PENDING TECHNOLOGY 

eco-roofs, llc • P.O. Box 8, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 • Phone: 269.471.7408 • Fax: 800.854.1756 • questions@eco-roofs.com • www.eco-roofs.com

TRAY SPECIFICATIONS FOR 


ADVANCED GREEN ROOF TRAYS 

Patent Pending Technology developed by Advanced Green Architecture 

• Size: 18” x 18” (2.25 square feet) 

• Depth: 4.25” soil depth standard 

— 1” base available for built-up options 

— 2”, 4.25”, 6” and 8” soil depth options available with biodegradable walls 

• Weight: 

Maximum fully saturated weight with mature plant foliage: 


4.25”: 24 pounds per square foot (average dry weight: 18 lbs/sf) 



• 1” Base Drainage Layer 

• Material: 100% recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic 

• Color: Black 

• Drainage: 109 holes in bottom of tray; Molded channels in both directions 

• Water Reservoirs: Minimal to avoid root rot 

• Irrigation: Tubing channel; Drip irrigation line*; Capillary mat (see below) 

• Interlocking: Overlaps and interlocks with adjoining trays 

• Capillary Irrigation Mat 

• Material: 100% recycled nonwoven polyester mechanically bonded to 

a synthetic absorbent mat inert to biological degradation and naturally 

encountered chemicals, alkalies and acids 

• Function: Capillary dispersion layer and geotextile filter 

• Biodegradable Walls 

• Material: Recycled paper and wax product 

• Standard: 4” for a 4.25” soil depth; combined for 6” and 8” depths 

• Media: Engineered growing media meets German FLL guidelines 

• Plant Types: Standard Sedum. Can be grown to full establishment (95%+ 

coverage) with enough lead time. Other approved plants may be possible. 

*(Drip irrigation line does not include: connectors, line to the water source, pumps, valves, timers, etc.) 



18 

Advanced Green Roof Trays

IRRIGATION LINE ADDED, 

SUPPLIES WATER TO KISSS MAT 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

IRRIGATION PIPE INSTALLED THROUGH THE 

CHANNEL WHICH FEEDS INTO ADJACENT 

TRAYS/CHANNELS 


AGR Trays 

6 

AGR is designed to promote and maximize all the environmental 

and economic benefits of a green roof system. A combination 

of a modular and a built-up system, it maximizes all green 

roof benefits and provides a fully integrated system to more closely 

imitate nature. 

Integrated, water efficient sub-surface irrigation provides 

an ideal option for greater plant diversity, urban agriculture or for 

those parts of the country where supplemental irrigation would be 

necessary. 

The capillary irrigation mat draws out the irrigation from the 

drip line for even, sub-surface irrigation. With natural rainfall, the 

mat acts as a retention mat holding in additional stormwater and 

allowing evapotranspiration to occur over a greater time period. 

8 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

19 



AGR Trays 

agr capillary irrigation mat 

leveling feet 

MSU GREEN ROOF RESEARCH CENTER Traverse City, MI 

AGR Trays are also designed for sloped roof applications. See below where the base is used 

alone in a built-up application with snap in soil stabilizers for slope retention. Soil stabilizers can be used 

in pre-grown applications as well. The integrated irrigation makes even steep slope applications feasible. 

TOP VIEW 

not to scale 

Illustrations are to conceptually assist professionals in designing AGR installations. AGA does not accept responsibility for engineer 

based on illustrations. A qualified roofing specialist should be consulted to determine appropriate waterproofing and roof deck materia 

eco-roofs, llc 

agr plants 

engineered green roof media 

agr biodegradable side wall 

agr Irrigation channel 

(for drip-line) 

drainage layer 

Ergonomic handles 

agr slope 

stabilization features 

P.O. Box 8, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103 

Phone: 269.471.7408 • Toll Free Fax: 800.854.1756 

questions@eco-roofs.com • www.eco-roofs.com 

PERSPECTIVE VIEW 

advanced green roof sloped built-up 


Tray Placement 

Dripline Insertion 

18” 

18” 

3.25” 

patent pending technology 

1” 


20 


ed green roof 


AGR Tray 

Options 

advanced green roof 

Peripheral Options 

PRE-GROWN 

n Roof See our Supplies section beginning 

on page 27 for more infor- 

warded mation an on these and other peripheral 

options. 

d at the 

Advanced Green Eco-Roofs Roof recommends the 

was Prosperity use of a slip sheet or protection layer 

recently awarded an 

between our trays and your roofing 

honorary o in material. award at At the a minimum we recom- 

EPA P3 People mend an Prosperity 8 oz. non-woven geotextile. 

C. while 

and Planet Expo Edging in or some type of perim- 

aboration eter containment is necessary for our 

Washington D.C. while 

AGR trays due to the biodegrad- 

State working in able collaboration 

liner. 

with n upcoming 

Michigan 1/2” State drip irrigation line is in- 

University cluded on an in upcoming a sufficient quantity to 

arch study. “snake” through all of the purchased 

green roof trays. research You will study. need to provide the 

focused The EPA remaining expo on focused irrigation on components. 

products promoted which Sloped promoted roof soil stabilizers are 

sold separately. Stabilizers must be 

sustainability providing 

roviding ordered before production of pre- 

solutions grown for environmental 

trays starts. 

nvironmental 

and sustainability Leveling feet can be purchased 

lity challenges separately worldwide. if the trays are being 

placed on uneven surfaces. Notched 

rldwide. leveling is designed into each corner 

of the tray and the feet are sold by 

the piece. 

Some of the base trays in the 

photos are green while the specifications 

refer only to black. The plastic 

base can be colored, but there is an 

additional cost and would require 

additional lead time. 

Specifications, roofing installers 

or roofing materials manufacturers 

may require additional or different 

materials so be sure to check 

before ordering. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

1” base tray fitted with 

capillary mat. The irrigation 

tubing channel can be seen 

along the left side. 

Biodegradable wall set 

on base and filled with engineered 

growing media meeting 

German FLL guidelines. 

Planted with 9-17 plugs 

can be grown to full plant establishment 

(95%+ plant coverage) 

with 12-15 weeks of 

summer growing. 

Fully established, interlocking trays are placed on the roof. Irrigation 

lines are run through the irrigation channels. Your green roof is beautiful and 

ready for a lifetime of enjoyment. 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

21 


green roof 

CH 

varieties increases green roof 

biodiversity maximizing green 

nced Green Roof (AGR) 

roof benefits such as stormwater 

nerated management from green and plant roof transpira- 

3 years tion which of research in turn increases and en- 

the Advanced 

ergy savings. 

Green Roof 

The engine of advanced 

earch green at Michigan roof is integrated State sub- 

t temperature surface irrigation. and moisture Drippings 

slope deliver degree water and to capillary slope mats 

which spread water throughout 

ation is 

the 

very 

trays directly 

important 

to the 

on 

plant’s 

is designed root system. to Overhead be applied spray ir- 

at green rigation roof can applications. 

be wasteful in a roof 

environment and also encourag- 

t both sloped and flat green 

es surface rooting which is vul- 

n they nerable are irrigated to extreme even temperatures if it 

ation in and periods moisture of stress. drought. AGR’s 

re plant 

integrated 

varieties 

subsurface 

can 

irrigation 

be 

system delivers water directly to 

of biodiversity the roots. which in turn 

efits across the board such 

lant transpiration which in 

vings. 

Irrigation Channel 


The engine of Advanced Green Roof is integrated 

subsurface irrigation. Drip lines deliver water to 

capillary AGR mats which Trays spreads water throughout the 

trays directly to the plants root system. Where as 

overhead Rooted spray in irrigation Research can be waste full in a roof 

environment and also encourages surface rooting, 

The development of advanced green roof (AGR) 

which is vulnerable to extreme temperatures and 

was guided by data generated from more than 3 years of 

moisture stress. AGR's integrated subsurface irrigation 

green roof research studies. Green roof research at Michigan 

State University system has delivers shown that water temperature directly to and the moisture roots. 

are directly affected by slope degree and slope orientation 

meaning irrigation is very important for successful sloped 

roof applications. AGR is designed to be applied on slopes 

as well as flat green roof applications. 

Research has shown that both sloped and flat green 

roofs perform better when they are irrigated even if it is only 

supplemental irrigation in periods of drought. Plants are 

healthier and more plant varieties can be used. More plant 

Capillary 

Irrigation 

mat connection 

points (all 4 sides) PATENT PENDING TECHNOLOGY 

eco-roofs, llc • P.O. Box 8, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 • Phone: 269.471.7408 • Fax: 800.854.1756 • questions@eco-roofs.com • www.eco-roofs.com 


Space for irrigation mat 

to slide under for dripline 

water/mat contact 

Leveling feature(s) 

Slope 

stabilization 

feature 

Advanced Green Roof was recently awarded 

an honorary award at the EPA P3 People Prosperity 

and Planet Expo in Washington D.C. while 

working in collaboration with Michigan State University 

on an upcoming green roof research study. 

The EPA Expo focused on products which promot- 

The engine of Advanced ed sustainability Green Roof providing is integrated 

subsurface irrigation. solutions Drip for environmental 

lines deliver water to 

and sustainability challeng- 

capillary mats which spreads water throughout the 

es worldwide. 

trays directly to the plants root system. Where as 

overhead spray irrigation can be waste full in a roof 

environment and also encourages surface rooting, 

which is vulnerable to extreme temperatures and 


22 


Built-in-Place Systems


Built-In-Place Green Roofs 

Built-in-place or built-up green roofs are those where the individual 

components that go into the roof are assembled on the roof itself. 

Starting with a waterproofed roof, from the bottom up, built-up 

green roofs usually start with a drainage layer to allow excess water to 

get to the roof drains, then filtration to keep soil and plants in place, followed 

by the growing media and finally the plants. Each of these basic 

layers can be one or a combination of several products and layers can 

sometimes be repeated. 

While nearly anyone can install a basic green roof tray system and 

even maintain it with relatively little training, built-up green roofs require 

an extensive knowledge of landscaping and horticulture including 

an understanding of plant selection and performance, soil and growing 

media selection, etc. This knowledge must be specific to the roof environment 

and can be very different from traditional landscaping needs. 

Built-up green roofs also require an extensive knowledge of the roofing 

materials themselves including the filtration and drainage layers necessary 

to keep the growing media and other green roof materials up on the 

roof and how all of those layers will integrate with the critical waterproofing 

membrane that is going to keep the building occupants dry. It 

may be necessary to cooperate and confer with specialists that can fill 

out the area(s) where you may be lacking in expertise. 

It is Eco-Roofs’ belief that there are right places and right times for all types of green roofs. We encourage you to 

explore and ask questions to find the one that will work best for your roof, situation and budget and we will be here to help 

and support you with any 

and all of them. 

Tight on budget or 

need something fast? Try 

our Standard trays. Want 

to go a little further but 

don’t have a lot of time? 

Try our AGR trays with 

irrigation. Ready to go all 

out with a rooftop garden 

and get your hands 

dirty? We’ll help guide 

you through the built-up 

options. 

The following pages 

will go into greater depth 

on how the layers are assembled 

and what options 

are available. 


Photos: In Progress 

and Finished 

A Built-Up, Intensive 

Green Roof 

Installed 2012 in 

Chicago, Illinois 


24 

Built-In-Place Components

Eco-Roofs’ Built-Up Recommendations 

All of Eco-Roofs’ green roof systems start above a waterproofed roof. Coming from a nursery background, we take 

pride in our plant growing expertise and choose to refer you to likewise experienced roofing, construction, engineering or 

architectural professionals for anything from the waterproofing on down. From the waterproofing on up, here is what we 

recommend, and the options available. Prior to installing the first green roof layer, the waterproofing membrane or other 

material should be tested and shown to be leak free and should be clean of all debris. The next section (Supplies, page 27) 

provides more information on the individual components. 

Protection Fabric: This layer is to protect the integrity of the waterproofing and roofing materials from the green roof 

materials above. Root barriers are strongly recommended and are usually composed of 30-40 mil 

linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE.) Root barriers are 

impermeable (water won’t go through them) so they must be the bottom layer. If additional protection 

is desired, an 8 ounce or heavier non-woven geotextile is recommended on top of the root barrier. 

Specifications, roofing membrane manufacturers or roofing installers may have other requirements or 

recommendations which should be followed. These may include a “throw-away” layer of the roofing 

membrane, or a layer of other roofing material such as TPO. 

Drain Board: Drain boards come in many styles, but are basically cup shaped hard plastic sheets designed to allow 

easy passage of any excess water away from the growing media and plant roots. These can be open 

and allow free water flow to the roof drains or they can be designed to retain some water for additional 

stormwater management. Caution should be used with retention types as they can add significantly 

to the weight on the roof, cause freezing issues, create unhealthy stagnant ponds, etc. Local climate 

and rainfall will greatly affect this choice. Another option for this layer is to use a layer of aggregate. 

Filter Fabric: This layer keeps the soil and plants from washing away and down the drains. Eco-Roofs recommends 

a 4 ounce non-woven geotextile. Filter fabric should wrap up the edging or perimeter containment 

around drains and all green roof edges. 

Composites: Some composite materials are available that have a drain board core with a filter fabric on the top and 

an impermeable layer on the bottom. 

Growing Media: 

See Pages 28 and 29 for more information on all of the protection, filtration and drain board options. 

See Page 30 for more information. 

Plants: See Pages 31 - 33 for more information. 

Perimeter Containment: 

Eco-Roofs recommends the 

use of GeoEdge aluminum edging 

or TECO-Edg recycled PVC 

edging for perimeter containment 

to hold in the soil and other layers 

around the roof edge, drains, 

equipment, etc. See page 34 for 

more information. Other options 

include fire walls and parapet 

walls. All edging or walls should 

be wrapped up the inside with filter 

fabric to contain loose media. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Plants 

Growing Media 

Filter Fabric 

Drain Board 

Slip Sheet 

Root Barrier 

Protection Fabrics 

Roong Materials 

Roof Deck up to 

Waterproof Membrane 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

25 

Built-In-Place Components

Photos of Completed Rooftops 

with Eco-Roofs’ Trays 


Private Residence 

Installed in the summer of 2011 using 

a combination of pre-grown trays and 

built-in-place green roof methods. 


26

Green Roof Supplies


Slip Sheets, Protection Fabrics 

and other Materials 

Eco-Roofs is not a fabric specialist so we make no 

claims on these products other than what we see in manufacturer’s 

specifications. We offer these fabrics as a service 

to our customers and do not require you to purchase them 

from us even if they are required for your project. Typical 

uses and our recommendations are noted below. Please call 

if you have questions or if you need manufacturer’s spec 

sheets. 

The fabrics are arranged in the order in which they 

would typically be used starting with the lowest layer and 

working up away from the roof. 

Root Barrier 30 or 40 mil LLDPE or HDPE 

Plant roots can sometimes be aggressive in their quest for nutrients, moisture and to provide stability. This can lead 

them to work their way into roofing membranes and the roof deck where they could potentially create leaks or possibly even 

structural damage. This is rare especially if just Sedum plants are used as they have very shallow and non-aggressive roots 

but the added protection may still be desirable. Root barrier material is similar to a pond liner. 

Eco-Roofs recommends the use of this material under tray systems. It should definitely be used as the base layer of 

built-up systems. It is impermeable, moisture will not go through it so it must be the bottom layer, directly on top of the 

waterproofing membrane. Caution should also be used to avoid trapping moisture under it where it will have no way of 

evaporating. In order to provide complete root barrier protection the seams should be sealed, bonded or taped. Adequate root 

barrier protection can be obtained using a minimum 24” seam overlap in place of seam sealing. See manufacturer’s recommendations 

for proper seam application. 

When used for root barrier protection there has been no performance difference shown between LLDPE (linear low 

density polyethylene) and HDPE (high density polyethylene.) 

A root barrier is sometimes the lower layer of composite drain board material (see below.) 

Per specifications or with the recommendation of roofing membrane manufacturers or roofing specialists an LLDPE/ 

HDPE root barrier may be substituted with a heavier material such as TPO or a “throw-away” layer of membrane. 

TRAYS: Premium recommendation for slip sheet/protection fabric under the trays. 

BUILT-UP: Lowest, base layer directly on top of the waterproofing membrane usually below the drainage layer. 

Slip Sheet/Protection Fabric 

8 oz. Non-Woven Geotextile 

Non-woven geotextile is a felt-like material used to 

provide a minimum layer of protection over the waterproofing 

membrane. Eco-Roofs recommends the use of 

this material as a minimum protection layer under all of 

our tray systems. It is not usually used in built-up systems. 

Order extra to allow for a 12” seam overlap. Non-woven 

geotextile does not provide any root barrier protection. 

TRAYS: Minimum recommendation for slip sheet/ 

protection layer under the trays. 

BUILT-UP: Not usually used. 



28 

Supplies

Drainage Board ½” or 1” Prefabricated Composite 

Drain board is usually made of fairly strong and semi-rigid plastic. It is designed to allow space for the free flow of 

excess water to the roof drains. Drain board may also incorporate “cups” that would hold a certain amount of moisture for 

added stormwater retention. Caution must be used with this type of retention material as it will add to the weight on the roof 

and could present other complications with freezing, stagnant water, etc. 

Drain board is not usually used with tray systems as the 

tray incorporates these features into its design. They can be 

used if the roof does not drain well or for added moisture retention 

if done with caution. 

In a built-up green roof, the drain board is usually the second 

layer from the bottom, on top of the root barrier and below 

the filter fabric. 

Drain board often comes in a composite material with the 

filter fabric and/or the root barrier fused to it. This is the material 

Eco-Roofs offers. 

TRAYS: Used only if specified or needed for additional 

drainage or retention. 

BUILT-UP: Used between the root barrier and filter fabric 

or as a composite combining these layers. 

Filter Fabric 4 or 6 oz. Non-Woven Geotextile 

Filter fabric is used to keep the growing media and plants from washing away. It is used mostly in built-up systems 

where it goes under the growing media and on top of the drainage layer. Extra should be ordered to allow for a minimum 

12” seam overlap and to wrap up the sides, perimeter containment, edging, around drains, etc. The 4 oz. is usually adequate. 

Heavier geotextiles can become clogged and slow the drainage of excess moisture. 

Filter fabric is also used in tray systems to wrap edging and around drains and equipment when it is necessary to cut 

the trays and leave the growing media exposed. Some tray systems have used a filter fabric inside the tray but Eco-Roofs 

has found this can cause water to backup inside the tray and can kill the plants. 

Filter fabric may come as the top material in a composite drain board layer (see gray layer above.) 

TRAYS: Only necessary when using cut trays. 

BUILT-UP: Holds in the growing media. Usually used directly below media and above the drainage layer. 

Slip Sheet/Protection Fabric/Moisture Retention Mat 10 or 12 oz. Non-Woven Geotextile 

This non-woven geotextile is heavier than the 8 oz. which means that it will absorb and retain a minimal amount of 

water similar to a sponge. It can replace the 8 oz. for greater protection or it can be added to a built-up system for water 

retention. For this use it is usually placed below the filter fabric and above the drainage layer. Order extra to allow for a 12” 

seam overlap. 

Caution should be used with any moisture retention mat. Retaining water on a roof can cause problems with drainage 

especially when frozen and will increase the weight load on the roof depending on how much water is retained. 

TRAYS: An option for heavier protection and moisture retention. 

BUILT-UP: Moisture retention layer below filter fabric and above drainage layer. 

Erosion Blanket 

Biodegradable Coir Blanket 

This is used for built-up green 

roofs to reduce wind and other erosion. 

It can be used to cover cuttings. Plugs 

and plants can be planted through this 

material. Purchase includes one biodegradable 

stake per cubic yard. Additional 

stakes (4” or 6”) can also be 

purchased. 

TRAYS: Not used, pre-grown 

BUILT-UP: Above media 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

29 

Supplies


Growing Media 

Eco-Roofs’ growing media 

is a low organic, high mineral 

composition growing mix composed 

of porous aggregate and 

compost. 

It has been tested to meet 

the FLL standards for green roof 

growing media. 

Eco-Roofs’ growing media is designed both for optimal plant performance and for stormwater retention. Two of the greatest 

benefits of green roofs are their ability to retain stormwater runoff and the ability to cool the city’s heat island effect. Both of 

these benefits find their basis in the growing media. It is the media itself that retains most of the stormwater runoff and it is the 

media that sustains the growth of the plants who cool the heat island mostly through the process of evapotranspiration; slowly 

releasing the captured moisture back into the air to cool it. 

We have chosen to keep our growing media within the FLL guidelines. Green roofs are relatively new in the United 

States while Europe has many more years of experience. In Germany, the Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung 

Lanschaftsbau (FLL, translates as the Landscape Research, Development and Construction Society) established specific 

guidelines for green roof growing media. These guidelines are now accepted around the world as the standards for green 

roof growing media. 

Eco-Roofs’ growing media is mixed and composed in Chicago and Michigan which allows it to qualify for most of the 

local guidelines for programs such as LEED throughout much of the Midwest. 

Growing Media can be customized but this may require additional cost and lead times for additional testing. Eco- 

Roofs is unable to guarantee performance or results of other custom mixes and may choose not to accept a custom mix job 

if we feel it will not perform. 

Eco-Roofs ships our growing media in several formats. For most situations, Eco-Roofs recommends the use of Jumbo 

Sacks. These sacks are designed to be lifted with a crane and opened to dump the media onto the roof. They contain 2 cubic 

yards (54 cubic feet) of growing media. The sacks are delivered on a flat bed truck and can be lifted directly from the truck 

bed to the roof. Other options include loose, bulk media which is delivered and dumped in a loose pile on site or smaller 

sacks (1, 1.5 or 2 cubic feet each). These small bags can be carried by an individual for hard to access roofs. 



30 

Supplies

Eco-Roofs’ Finished Plants, Plugs 

and Cuttings 

Eco-Roofs’ association with Twixwood Nursery allows us to 

offer one of the largest selections of groundcovers and perennials for 

green roofs from one of the Top 100 Growers in the nation. 

Please call Eco-Roofs and request a current Twixwood Nursery 

catalog and availability list or contact Twixwood Nursery directly 

and tell them Eco-Roofs referred you. Plants, plugs and cuttings will 

generally be sold to you directly from Twixwood Nursery. 

For nearly 45 years Twixwood Nursery has been growing and 

selling the groundcovers and perennials used on green roofs. While 

the Nursery’s primary area is the Midwest, Twixwood’s reputation 

for quality has led to regular customers across the United States and 

Canada. Many of those plants have gone to beautify famous places 

including some of the earliest and largest green roofs in the United 

P. O. Box 247, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 

States such as Chicago’s Millennium Park. 

Phone: 269-471-7408 

The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association Green Roof 

Fax: 269-471-2495 or 800-854-1756 

Awards of Excellence in 2010 and 2011 went to projects supplied 

with plants from Twixwood Nursery. The 2010 project also included 

E-mail: info@twixwood.com pre-grown trays from Eco-Roofs. The 2009 Green Roofs for Healthy 

Cities Award of Excellence for Extensive Industrial/Commercial 

www.twixwood.com 

Projects was a project supplied with plants from Twixwood Nursery. 

Plants 

Eco-Roofs defines finished plants as pots that 

are usually 4” or larger. These would include standard 

#1 nursery containers and quart size pots. These 

are typically only used in intensive systems due to 

their size. Spacing, performance, soil coverage, environmental 

needs all vary greatly given the wide selection 

possible. Your Twixwood Nursery Customer 

Service Rep will be able to help you in your selection 

as can Eco-Roofs. 



32 

Supplies

Plugs 

Eco-Roofs defines 

plugs as plants in pots 4” and 

smaller. Typically these will 

be in liners or flats and sold 

by the flat. Green roof plugs 

are most commonly 2” - 3” 

plugs. See Page 8 for more 

information on plugs. Twixwood 

Nursery maintains a 

large quantity of various sizes 

and varieties of Sedum plugs 

as well as other plants commonly 

used on green roofs. 

If exact varieties or sizes are 

desired they can be custom 

grown, but please allow at 

least 2-6 months, possibly 

longer depending on the plant 

selections. A down payment 

may be required. 

Eco-Roofs recommends 

the use of 2.5” plugs (32ct 

Twixwood Nursery flats) with a minimum spacing of 6” on center (approximately 4/sf.) Other options include 4” nominal 

quarts (10ct Twixwood Nursery flats) with a spacing of 8” on center (approximately 2.25/sf.) More exact plant counts can 

be obtained at www.landscapecalculator.com. Spacing and size recommendations will vary depending on plants chosen. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Cuttings 

Eco-Roofs defines cuttings as cut pieces of Sedum 

plants with a length and viability sufficient to begin 

rooting and growth. See Page 8 for more information. 

Large stock fields are available to take cuttings 

from either as a grower’s choice mix or as specific variety 

requests. 

Cuttings are highly perishable and can rot or 

desiccate quickly. They must be cut, transported and 

installed within a few days at most. Because of this, 

purchase of cuttings requires a non-cancellable ship 

date 5-10 days in advance of delivery. Availability will 

vary by species and time of year as viable cuttings can 

only be taken from the plants at certain times. There 

is no warranty or replacement on cuttings. Cuttings 

must be watered daily until they have established roots 

and weekly during the first year. Replacement is often 

necessary, usually the second season and full establishment 

may not occur for 2-3 years. A biodegradable 

erosion blanket may be necessary to keep birds off, retain 

moisture, reduce wind loss, etc. See page 29 for 

more information. 

Eco-Roofs recommends an installation rate of 

10 lbs per 100 sf covered by the erosion blanket and 

supplemented with plugs planted through the erosion 

blanket. 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

33 

Supplies

Eco-Roofs’ Edging 

Perimeter Containment 

and Drain Covers 

Eco-Roofs is not a metal fabricator or edging specialist so 

we make no claims on these products other than what we see in 

manufacturer’s specifications. We offer these products as a service 

to our customers and do not require you to purchase them from us 

even if they are required and you are purchasing other products 

from us. Typical uses and our recommendations are noted below. 

Please call if you have questions or if you need manufacturer’s 

spec sheets. 

General Edging Uses and Recommendations 

Edging is used primarily for perimeter containment in order to hold the soil and plants in place. It is not required in 

all applications, but may still be desired for aesthetic reasons or for added wind control. Edging adds wind control especially 

against wind uplift by tying together a whole section of trays especially if the edging is attached to the trays with 

self-tapping screws. In some cases edging may not be required if there is a fire wall, parapet wall or other type of existing 

perimeter containment. 

Eco-Roofs does recommend the use of edging with all of our tray systems when it is necessary to cut them to fit into 

an area unless the cut edges can be against other trays or another solid surface. Filter fabric should also be used with cut 

trays and should be wrapped up the edging or perimeter containment. See page 29. 

Eco-Roofs’ 3.3” deep Standard trays do not require any perimeter edging because they are fully contained in the tray. 

If edging is used for aesthetic or wind control purposes, Eco-Roofs recommends 4” tall aluminum or PVC edging be used. 

Eco-Roofs’ 4” and deeper Standard trays and Eco-Roofs’ AGR trays do require edging or some type of perimeter 

containment because the sidewalls are at least partially biodegradable so the soil is not permanently contained. Height 

recommendations are as follows: 

4” deep Standard Trays 4” tall Aluminum or PVC 

6” deep Standard Trays 6.5” tall Aluminum or 6” tall PVC 

4.25” deep AGR Trays 5.5” tall Aluminum or 6” tall PVC 

6” deep AGR Trays 6.5” tall Aluminum 

8” deep AGR Trays 8.5” tall Aluminum 

Built-up green roofs also require edging or perimeter containment. Height would be determined by the system height. 

Typically the base of the edging is placed just under the filter fabric with the filter fabric wrapping up the edging to keep 

media fines from washing out the drainage holes. If this method is used, the edging height would equal the depth of the 

growing media. If the base of the edging is to go under other system components, the height would need to include the 

height of those layers. The base of the edging should never go under an impermeable layer such as a root barrier. This can 

cause damming and could have disastrous results. 

Edging Options 

Edging is sold by the linear foot and comes in 8’ lengths for 

aluminum or 10’ lengths for PVC. Both types can be formed on site 

for corners and angles or pre-made 90 0 corners are available. 

The PVC edging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled 

PVC making it a very “green” option. It comes standard in black 

and is available in two sizes (height x base): 4” x 4” or 6” x 6”. 

Aluminum edging can be customized for specific height or 

other design specifications. Mill finish as shown in the photo at the 

top of the page is standard, but black is available. Available sizes 

include (height x base): 3” x 3.25”, 3.5” x 4.5”, 4” x 3.25”, 4.5” x 

3.25”, 4.5” x 4.5”, 5.5” x 6.5”, 6.5” x 5.5”, 7.5” x 8.5” or 8.5” x 7.5”. 

Aluminum drain boxes are available with all of the same 

height/base options as the edging. 12” or 24” square or 14” or 20” 

round boxes are available with optional lids. 


GeoEdge Aluminum Edging by 

permaloc® 

100% Recycled PVC Edging 

TECO-Edg by Oly-Ola 


34 

Supplies

Installation & Maintenance


Shipping Process 

ü Eco-Roofs ships our trays on enclosed semitrailers 

to protect the live plant material. 

ü Eco-Roofs trays are loaded on rolling metal 

racks for easy maneuverability on site. 

ü Eco-Roofs offers the use of steel cradles for 

safe and easy lifting. 

Eco-Roofs ships our trays on enclosed semi-trailers so that the live plant material in the trays is protected. One or two 

people can move our rolling racks to the back of the truck where they can be unloaded with a forklift. Trailers with lift gates 

are available upon request. Given the weight of the loaded racks (even with their wheels) it is advisable to have a forklift on 

site to move them around. 

Eco-Roofs’ rolling racks will move best on hard, relatively flat surfaces. It may be necessary to lay plywood planking 

or use a forklift to traverse rough areas. 3/4” - 5/8” plywood should be used on the roof as a “landing area” to support the 

racks. Plywood provides a path to roll the racks on the roof while protecting the roof materials. 

Use of the rolling racks in this manner will allow for dozens of square feet to be transported saving a great deal of 

labor. Typically you will find the following amounts per rack: 64 sf for 3.3” Standard trays. 56 sf for 4” Standard trays. 4” 

AGR trays would have 63 sf. 

Eco-Roofs trays and racks have been transported to the rooftop in just about every imaginable way. It seems every roof 

has a slightly different roof access. For example, with the ability to roll the racks, they can be taken up in freight elevators. 

The most common method of roof access is by crane. Eco-Roofs offers the use of custom steel lifting cradles for a 

safe and easy lifting experience. We have both single and double models that hold racks accommodating the capacity of 

your crane and roof. The cradles are equipped with crane certified chains that connect easily to a crane hook. See the orange 

double cradles in the photo above. 



36

Phone: (269) 471-7408 


Installation Process 

Installation of Eco-Roofs’ trays is quick and efficient. 

Ø Keep the installation surface clean and free of debris 

Ø Roll out slip sheet/protection fabric on the waterproofing. 

Make sure that root barriers and other impermeable fabrics are flat (no 

folds) and do not cover drains or impede the drainage of excess water. 

Ø Place the trays tightly next to each other in nice, straight rows 

with even edges. 

If plant material is hanging over the edges of the trays, lift it on top of 

the trays to allow a tight fit with no plant material between the trays. 

Eco-Roofs’ Standard trays should firmly abut the next tray. The trays 

can lay in either direction. 

Eco-Roofs’ AGR trays are placed in a specific arrangement so the 

drip line can “snake” through the trays. The trays overlap and lock together 

to maintain this arrangement. 

Built-up green roofs are all unique in their design and installation. The 

protection, drainage and filtration layers are all installed in the arrangement 

specified. The growing media is evenly leveled and compacted. Erosion nets 

and vegetated mat, plugs, cuttings or other plants are planted in the arrangement, 

spacing, or rate as specified. 

These simple explanations are not meant to provide the training necessary 

to install green roofs but merely to give an idea of the installation process. 

Eco-Roofs offers an Installer Certification class where perspective green 

roof installers can become certified installers of Eco-Roofs’ systems. 

Photos 

Top: 10th Floor, Summer 2009, Chicago Illinois 

Left: Summer 2011, Chicago, Illinois 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

37


Maintenance 

Recommendations 

These recommendations are based 

on Eco-Roofs’ pre-grown tray systems 

with standard Sedum plants. While most 

of them apply equally to all green roofs, 

there are many variables. Built-up or custom 

plant choices will require customized 

care until established. 

We are happy to assist you in creating 

a customized maintenance plan for 

your roof. 

Biweekly (twice per month) maintenance 

inspections should be carried out 

during the active growing season (April 

through October, longer in some areas.) All activity and green roof maintenance should be recorded including the date, time, 

name(s) of person(s) involved, activities performed and quantities used or applied. Photographs would be great. Records 

should also include all access and activities by non-green roof personnel such as HVAC repair, window washers, etc. Traffic 

should be kept to a minimum. 

Biweekly (twice per month) inspections 

should check for and manage the following: 

ü Irrigation: water to full saturation if natural rainfall is below 1” in 4 weeks during the growing 

season. This only applies to pre-grown trays with standard Sedum. 

ü Keep traffic on the roof to a minimum. 

ü Remove trash and debris. 

ü Inspect all drains for proper functioning with no obstructions. 

ü Remove weeds by hand. Do not use any herbicides. 

ü Replace displaced growing media. 

ü At the beginning of the season apply a slow release fertilizer. 

ü At the beginning of the season if desired trim the Sedum to remove dead flower stalks. 

Leave clippings on the roof. Use proper protection and extreme caution with power equipment. 

ü At the end of the season check for any bare spots and replant if needed. 

ü Stop all irrigation 4 weeks before first frost. Winterize irrigation equipment. 

ü Avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides or any chemicals that could contaminate the water 

supply. 

ü Avoid the use of deicing chemicals and salt around plants. 



38

LEED Info 

Warranty & Disclaimers

Eco-Roofs & 

LEED® 

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a certification 

system established by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide 

3 rd party verification that a building has been designed, constructed and maintained 

in a green way. The certification process for buildings is based on the type or area of 

building (new construction, school, interior, etc.) and a number of key areas. Various 

levels of certification are available from Silver to Platinum based on the total number of points earned out of a possible 110. 

A green roof can contribute to a number of points in several areas. 

Eco-Roofs’ Standard and AGR green roof systems are tray or modular systems with an emphasis on green roof 

technology. The modular approach when compared to the traditional built-in-place and intensive style of green roof is much 

lighter, faster and easier to install. The Eco-Roofs system has improved on what most modular systems have done by making 

the standard module one that arrives on the rooftop with 95% or more already established vegetative cover. 

With full plant coverage many of the benefits that LEED strives for are realized immediately. Full plant coverage 

maximizes the reduction of the urban heat island effect, stormwater management, water use efficiency, etc. Without preestablishing 

full coverage it can take months or even years for the plants to reach full establishment therefore taking much 

longer to achieve the full environmental benefits as well. The extra care necessary to fully establish the vegetative coverage 

such as supplemental irrigation can reduce or even negate LEED points. 

Following is a list of some of the LEED categories and the points to which your green roof could possibly contribute. 

These are only suggestive of where to begin looking. You should work with a LEED Accredited Professional to find all the 

LEED points you qualify for as they can vary greatly by building, area, material and many other factors. 


1. SUSTAINABLE SITES 

a. Site Development: Protect & Restore Habitat—SS 5.1; Maximize Open Space—SS 5.2. Eco- 

Roofs’ green roofs will help reclaim areas (rooftops) that in the past, reduced the areas of vegetation. 

Using our vegetated roofs could also help provide habitat value and could help promote biodiversity. 

A green roof will help prevent air pollution from dust or particulate matter and in areas with high 

concentrations of smog, pollen and dust, plants will help absorb the impurities, break them down and 

remove them from the atmosphere. 

– May Contribute to 2 Potential Points 

b. Storm Water Design Control: Quantity Control—SS 6.1, Quality Control—SS 6.2. Eco-Roofs’ 

trays will help reduce stormwater discharge and they may be considered a stormwater treatment plan 

with the ability of the plants in the green roof modules to remove suspended solids and other pollutants. 


c. Urban Heat Island Effect: Heat Island Effect-Roof—SS 7.2. Eco-Roofs’ trays can significantly 

reduce roof temperatures. In the summer, green roofs can reduce a 145 degree roof temperature down 

to the current ambient air temperature of 88 degrees. The current LEED specifications are to install a 

vegetated roof for at least 50% coverage of the roof area. Ground level landscaping and green walls 

may contribute an additional point through Heat Island Effect-Non-Roof—SS 7.1. 


2. WATER EFFICIENCY 

a. Water Efficient Landscaping: Water Use Reduction by 50%—WE 1.1; No Potable Water Use 

or No Irrigation—WE 1.2. When planted with such plants as our drought resistant Sedums or other 

drought resistant plants the requirement for water is little or no supplemental irrigation. Another benefit 

from the green roof is that runoff is filtered by the vegetation and can be reused on the green roof 

modules or other landscaping features that might require supplemental irrigation. 



40

3. ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE 

a. Optimize Energy Performance—EA 1. Green roof systems such as Eco-Roofs’ have been documented 

to reduce energy demand by up to 50% annually in certain types of structures. Based on the proven 

cooling effects of the green roof, there is shown to be a reduced demand on air conditioning leading 

to smaller cooling systems, which contribute to lower operating, and capital cost as well as energy use 

reduction. 


4. MATERIALS & RESOURCES 

a. Building Reuse—MR 1.1. Since the Eco-Roofs’ green roof trays act as a protection to the roof’s 

waterproofing membrane and will extend the life of the roof, it can help contribute to the LEED reuse 

objective. 

– May Contribute to 1 Potential Point 

b. Recycled Content—MR 4.1-4.2. Eco-Roofs’ trays are made with recycled materials and some of the 

growing media components are recycled which will contribute to the percentage of recycled material 

necessary to achieve these points. 


c. Regional Materials—MR 5.1-5.2. The Eco-Roofs’ system is assembled and pre-planted at 

Twixwood Nursery in southwest Michigan with our own local plants and growing media. The trays 

are also manufactured in Michigan. This contributes towards the percentage of a building’s materials 

manufactured locally for many of our customers. 


d. Renewable Materials—MR 6. Eco-Roofs’ plants are mostly produced from stock plants which we 

can repeatedly harvest for production with little or no impact on the stock plants or disturbance of the 

soil. This can contribute to the reduction of erosion, carbon emissions, fertilizer use, etc. 

– May Contribute to 1 Potential Point 

5. INNOVATION AND DESIGN PROCESS 

a. The Eco-Roofs’ systems may qualify for innovation and design credits by helping to maintain a better 

work environment. Depending on the installation, a green roof can become a usable space for meetings 

or relaxation. Additionally, a green roof can reduce the exterior sound by up to 40%, resulting in a more 

stress free environment. We will be glad to work with you if you have unique ideas that may contribute 

in this area. 


6. REGIONAL PRIORITY CREDITS 

a. LEED allows for extra points to be earned for items that are considered regional priorities. 


What does all this mean? 

Use of an Eco-Roofs green roof tray system will save you time and money over other green roof systems while providing 

you with an exceptional opportunity for contributing to the enhancement of the environmental quality of your community. 

Pursuing LEED certification may provide additional economic as well as environmental rewards. A green roof can be 

worth a couple of LEED points on its own and may contribute to as many as 20 additional points. Consult with a 

LEED Accredited Professional to determine your full potential. 

Check online for updates: www.eco-roofs.com 

You can also visit the U.S. Green Building Council website for more information on LEED. www.usgbc.org Click on LEED 

at the top of the page. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

41


Warranty 

Eco-Roofs provides a standard one year warranty on 

the plants in our pre-grown green roof trays (see details below.) 

Customized warranties are considered on a per-job 

basis. All other products and systems are not covered under 

this warranty. See the following page for additional disclaimers 

and terms. 

Eco-Roofs makes no warranties express or implied 

related to the fitness of Eco-Roofs’ products for particular 

applications and or purposes. It is the responsibility of the 

user to determine whether the product is suited to a particular 

purpose or application, and Eco-Roofs recommends 

consultation with a competent architect or engineer to determine 

if the Eco-Roofs’ system is suitable for a particular 

application including but not limited to roof slope, drainage, 

climate, underlying membranes, load (weight) bearing 

potential, etc. 

Above: Philadelphia Installation 

Early Spring 2009 

Green roofs typically keep roofing membranes wetter than traditional roofs. The choice of waterproofing system 

(membrane or otherwise) and bonding method should be pre-approved with the manufacturer to ensure that it is suited for 

use in conjunction with the Eco-Roofs’ system. Eco-Roofs accepts no liability for any issue related to waterproofing systems 

or bonding methods. The waterproofing system manufacturer should always be consulted before applying any type of green 

roof system. 

We warrant our plants to be true to name and to be in good living condition at the time of shipment. All other warranties 

are specifically excluded, including but not limited to the warranty of merchantability or fitness for extended use and 

any warranty regarding future growth. Our warranty on the plants in the green roof modules is limited to a one year period 

immediately after delivery. The one year warranty is only in effect when the customer has proven scheduled maintenance 

of the trays including watering and spot weeding as needed. Unless permitted in writing, the warranty will not cover any 

installations done when the weather is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. An Eco-Roofs employee will be allowed to view and 

inspect the plants at least twice during the warranty period. Efforts will be made to arrange that inspection in advance to 

make it as easy as possible for the building management. 

All plants and trays become the property of the owner at the time of delivery. Plant claims that are covered by our limited 

warranty must be submitted in writing within one year of shipment. All honored claims, at Eco-Roofs’ discretion, shall 

be to refund the purchase price of the Eco-Roofs’ container (exclusive of soil and plant material) or timely replacement of 

containers (exclusive of soil and plants). Eco-Roofs shall not otherwise be liable for any loss or damages, whether direct, indirect, 

special, incidental, punitive, or 

consequential, regardless of the legal 

theory asserted, including negligence, 

warranty, or strict liability. If Eco- 

Roofs shall elect to repair or replace 

the defective product, or refund the 

purchase price, such election shall not 

be deemed an admission of liability. 


Left: Dayton Nursery 

Norton, Ohio 

Trays on a sloped 

roof edged with baskets 

of annuals 


42

This disclaimer/limitation of remedies and liability applies to the green roof trays sold by Eco- 

Roofs. No person or companies representing or acting to represent Eco-Roofs shall be entitled to 

waive or vary the terms set forth herein and any attempt to do so shall be void and of no effect. 

Terms 

A down payment must be received by Eco-Roofs BEFORE a Custom Grow Project is started 

and/or BEFORE any product is held in reserve and/or BEFORE delivery is scheduled. This down 


Disclaimers 

and Terms 

payment is 40% for new customers (first time buyers) and 20% for established customers in good terms. The balance will be due per 

customer’s terms from the date of invoice (date of shipment.) 

C.O.D. payments in the form of cash or check can be given to the driver prior to unloading if the driver is an Eco-Roofs driver 

or approved by Eco-Roofs. For shipment by common carrier, C.O.D. payments must be pre-arranged by check received by Eco-Roofs 

prior to shipment or by credit card. Credit card payments must be made with the office during normal business hours prior to unloading. 

Failure to provide proper and timely payment arrangements may result in additional charges including but not limited to detention time, 

restocking fees, additional freight, etc. 

Unpaid account surcharge is 1.5% per month (18% per year.) A returned check charge of $35 will be charged on all returned 

checks. Payments will be applied to accrued interest first. 

Contracts are for the total amount ordered. Any product returned or refused will be subject to additional freight costs and will not 

be credited. 

Shipping and Delayed Trucking Charges 

All final shipping arrangements must be made at least two weeks in advance including the date and time of deliveries and the 

number of square feet to be delivered per day. Any changes made within the five days prior to shipment will incur additional charges to 

cover costs. 

If the delivery truck is on site for more than 3 hours, an additional charge of $90 per hour will be assessed beginning with the 4th hour. 

Unloading is the responsibility of the customer. The driver will help bring product to the back of the truck only but may require 

assistance. Product is shipped on rolling metal racks in an enclosed truck that will require some type of forklift to unload. The racks can 

weigh up to 2500 lbs. Lifting equipment must be capable of handling this weight. Racks must be unloaded, emptied and reloaded on the 

truck as soon as possible to avoid detention charges. Racks are heavy and may require two individuals to move them. They roll best on 

hard, flat surfaces. Thick plywood may be required especially on the roof to move the racks and to provide a landing area. 

If special arrangements are necessary to store racks for a time on site to avoid truck detention charges, they must be made in advance 

with permission granted by Eco-Roofs’s shipping department. Racks on site are the responsibility of the customer and damage 

or loss of the racks can result in additional charges up to $600/rack. Loss or damage to trays or plant material left sitting on racks is the 

customer’s responsibility and if left uninstalled for an extended time, may void the warranty. 

Steel cradles are available on loan for lifting racks by crane and other methods. Please contact Eco-Roofs if these are needed and 

we will give you information on the requirements. Damages can occur when racks are lifted improperly. 

Damages incurred while moving Eco-Roofs’s trays off the truck, on or off of the cradles and anywhere on the job site is the responsibility 

of the customer and the signature on the quote, order or contract releases Eco-Roofs from responsibility for any and all damages. 

Disclaimer 

Purchaser assumes full responsibility for installation and protection of its property. Eco-Roofs assumes no responsibility for any 

damage or loss, or loss that may be incurred by the purchaser as a result of improper installation. Eco-Roofs assumes no responsibility 

for the structural integrity of the roof on which this system is placed or installed. 

Limitation of Remedies and Liability 

See previous page for additional warranty information. 

Eco-Roofs has no control over each particular application of its products, therefore Eco-Roofs makes no warranties express or 

implied related to the fitness of the Eco-Roofs products for particular applications and or purposes. It is the responsibility of the user to 

determine whether the product is suited to a particular purpose or application, and Eco-Roofs recommends consultation with a competent 

architect or engineer to determine if the Eco-Roofs’ system is suitable for a particular application including but not limited to roof 

slope, drainage, climate, underlying membranes, load (weight) bearing potential. 

Green roofs typically keep roofing membranes wetter than traditional roofs. The choice of waterproofing system (membrane or 

otherwise) and bonding method should be pre-approved with the manufacturer to ensure that it is suited for use in conjunction with the 

Eco-Roofs’ system. Eco-Roofs accepts no liability for any issue related to waterproofing systems or bonding methods. The waterproofing 

system manufacturer should always be consulted before applying any type of green roof system. 

It is agreed by both parties that any contract for sale of goods and services made between Eco-Roofs and the Buyer is made in 

Michigan and shall be governed by Michigan Law. Any action pertaining to such a sale shall be venued in Berrien County, Michigan. 

Standards 

The plants are intended to be of an assortment that is hardy, durable, long-lived and sustainable for your local climate. Any arrangement 

for vegetation with a lesser degree of coverage or plant material other than plants recommended by experienced professional 

growers may result in less than desired performance, increased maintenance, and is at the discretion of the system owner. 

The Eco-Roofs’ green roof modules are intended to be supplied with Eco-Roofs approved engineered soil in accord with established 

Eco-Roofs and German FLL soil specifications. Any deviation from such specifications may result in less than desired performance; 

resultant performance is solely at the discretion and responsibility of the system owner. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

43




Above and Left: 10th 

floor over parking 

garage surrounded by 

condominium units in 

downtown Chicago. 

Photos taken one 

month after installation 

in 2009. 


44



Below: Illinois Central University, East Peoria, Illinois 

Custom grow project installed October 2010 with about 70% plant coverage. 

Photos below taken during an inspection, Summer 2011 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Left: 

Installation 

Day 

Summer 2011 

Chicago, IL 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

45



September 2012 Installation, Chicago, Illinois 

September 2012 Installation, Ypsilanti, Michigan 

A gazebo at the Growing Hope Community Garden gets an Eco-Roofs’ green roof installed by 

volunteers from WOW (Women Out Working) 


Art Shack 

August 2012 Installation 

Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

The shack is made entirely of found items recycled to 

create this RUST (Renewed Urban Studio) art lab created 

by Andy Walker, teacher at the Stern Center of 

Perelman Jewish Day School, and Andy Heisy. 


46

Eco-Roofs’ takes special pride in our customer service. 

Our office hours are 8 am to 6 pm EST. 

We make every effort to return quote requests within 24 hours or 

less. We’re glad to answer any green roof questions from design and 

plant selection to installation and maintenance. 

Our website is available 24/7 and we keep it up to date with information, 

answers to frequently asked questions, spec sheets, cut sheets, 

submittal documents, a photo gallery and more. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Examples of Online Cut Sheets 



Website 

Cut Sheets, Specs, 

Submittal Documents 

and More 

advanced green roof 

sloped 

AGR Sloped includes a slope stabilization feature. AGR is ideal for sloped 

applications in that it can be pre-grown and integrates subsurface irrigation which 

has been shown in green roof studies to be needed on sloped green roof systems. 

Proper engineering must be done to accommodate slope force weights depending 

on the length and degree of slope. 

DRIP-LINE 

not to scale 

SLOPE 

STABILIZATION 

FEATURE 

DRAINAGE 

LAYER 

CAPILLARY 

IRRIGATION MAT 

Illustrations are to conceptually assist professionals in designing AGR installations. AGA does not accept responsibility for engineering 

based on illustrations. A qualified roofing specialist should be consulted to determine appropriate waterproofing and roof deck materials. 

eco-roofs, llc 

P.O. Box 8, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103 

Phone: 269.471.7408 • Toll Free Fax: 800.854.1756 

questions@eco-roofs.com • www.eco-roofs.com 

LEVELING FEET 

BIO-DEGRADBLE 

SIDEWALL 

patent pending technology 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

47


Specifications At a Glance 

Standard Trays Pages 11-16 

12” x 24” (2 sf) black 100% recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic tray with 150 mil thick walls. 

46 drainage holes (3/8”), molded drainage channels in both directions, molded handles and minimal water reservoirs. 

Engineered growing media meets German FLL guidelines. 

Plant types: Standard Sedum. Can be grown to full establishment (95%+ coverage) with appropriate lead time. Can be 

custom grown in 12-15 weeks of summer growing lead time. Other approved plants may be possible. 

Recommend at least an 8 oz. non-woven geotextile or 30 mil LLDPE slip sheet under trays for protection fabric. 

3.3”: 23 Pounds per Square Foot (Maximum fully saturated weight including mature plant foliage. Average dry weight: 18lbs/sf) 

Large quantity grown and maintained on speculation with standard Sedum plant mix. 

4”: 29 Pounds per Square Foot (Maximum fully saturated weight including mature plant foliage. Average dry weight: 21lbs/sf) 

Includes a 4” deep biodegradable coir liner in the 3.3” deep plastic tray. 

Limited quantity grown and maintained on speculation with standard Sedum plant mix. 

Needs perimeter containment due to biodegradable tray liner. Recommend 4” aluminum or PVC edging. 


Includes a 6” deep biodegradable coir liner in the 3.3” deep plastic tray. 

Requires custom grow lead time. 

Needs perimeter containment due to biodegradable tray liner. Recommend 6.5” aluminum or 6” PVC edging. 

Advanced Green Roof Trays Pages 17-22 

18” x 18” (2.25 sf) black 100% recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic 1” deep base drainage layer overlaps and 

interlocks with adjoining trays. 

109 drainage holes, molded drainage channels in both directions, molded handles and minimal water reservoirs. 

Drip irrigation channel. Includes drip irrigation line* and capillary irrigation mat for capillary dispersion and geotextile filter 

made from a 100% recycled polyester nonwoven layer mechanically bonded to a synthetic absorbent mat inert to biological 

degradation and naturally encountered chemicals, alkalies and acids. 

Engineered growing media meets German FLL guidelines. 

Plant types: Standard Sedum. Can be grown to full establishment (95%+ coverage) with appropriate lead time. Can be 

custom grown in 12-15 weeks of summer growing lead time. Other approved plants may be possible. 

Recommend at least an 8 oz. non-woven geotextile or 30 mil LLDPE slip sheet under trays for protection fabric. 

All pre-grown trays include a recycled paper and wax fully biodegradable wall on the base drainage layer. 


Needs perimeter containment due to biodegradable tray liner. Recommend 4” aluminum or PVC edging. 

4.25”: 24 Pounds per Square Foot (Maximum fully saturated weight including mature plant foliage. Average dry weight: 18lbs/sf) 

Needs perimeter containment due to biodegradable tray liner. Recommend 5.5” aluminum or 6” PVC edging. 


Needs perimeter containment due to biodegradable tray liner. Recommend 6.5” aluminum edging. 


Needs perimeter containment due to biodegradable tray liner. Recommend 8.5” aluminum edging. 

*Customer is responsible for all irrigation components other than the drip irrigation line. 



48

Built-in-Place Components & Tray Supplies 

Call, e-mail or check online for full spec sheets and additional information. 

Vegetated Mat Page 31 

39” x 39” or 39” x 78” or 10” x 21” blankets. Soil thickness approximately 1”. 

6-7 lbs/sf (approximate weight fully saturated including mature plant foliage.) 

Removable core is a geometric patterned core blanket designed to reinforce soil for green roof vegetation. It consists of a matrix of tangled mono-filaments 

that are heat welded at the junctions to form a resilient structure that utilizes a removable non-woven spun bound polyester. 

May be available pre-grown on speculation with a standard Sedum mix. Custom growing may take 18-20 months for 39” or 6-12 weeks for 10” to achieve 

75-85% coverage. 

Install on 2-3” of growing media (less media will require an installed irrigation system) over filtration, drainage and protection layers. Water immediately and 

regularly. Can supplement with plugs. Will require perimeter containment such as edging at least equal to media depth. 

Plugs Pages 32-33 

Slip Sheets, Protection Fabrics, Drainage & Filtration Layers Pages 28-29 

Edging Page 34 

Plants Pages 32-33 

4” or larger pots of perennials, groundcovers and shrubs chosen for local performance and sustainability including considering micro-climates on the roof. 

Available from Twixwood Nursery. 

Recommended spacing will depend on varieties chosen and will be anywhere from 6” on center to several feet for larger shrubs. 

Typically an intensive (6” or deeper) type of green roof. 

Plant in growing media with a depth greater than or at least equal to depth of plant pots chosen and with sufficient depth and area to provide root stability 

for mature plant size for varieties chosen. Normal filtration, drainage and protection layers should be used below media. Will require perimeter containment 

such as edging at least equal to media depth and may require an irrigation system and regular care and maintenance by trained landscapers and 

horticulturists. 

2-4” pots of perennials, groundcovers and shrubs chosen for local performance and sustainability including considering micro-climates on the roof. Typically 

mostly Sedum species with a few other small plants occasionally used. 


Recommended spacing of 4” - 8” on center. Approximate plant counts: 4” oc = 9/sf, 6” oc = 4/sf, 8” oc = 2.25/sf. Use www.landscapecalculator.com for 

accurate counts. 

Typically an extensive (Less than 6” deep) type of green roof. 

Plant in growing media with a depth greater than or at least equal to depth of plant pots chosen and with sufficient depth and area to provide root stability 

for mature plant size for varieties chosen. Normal filtration, drainage and protection layers should be used below media. Will require perimeter containment 

such as edging at least equal to media depth. If varieties other than Sedum are used, they will probably require an irrigation system and regular 

care and maintenance by trained landscapers and horticulturists. 

Cuttings Pages 32-33 

Cut pieces of Sedum plants with a length and viability sufficient to begin rooting and growth. 


Recommended rate of 10 lbs/100 sf. 

Typically an extensive (Less than 6” deep) type of green roof. 

Scatter on 2-3” of growing media (less media will require an installed irrigation system) over normal filtration, drainage and protection layers. Water immediately 

and regularly. Can supplement with plugs. Will require perimeter containment such as edging at least equal to media depth. Recommend use 

of Biodegradable Erosion Control Mat. 

Media Page 30 

Proprietary blend of low organic, high mineral composition with porous aggregate and compost. 

Meets FLL standards for green roof growing media. 

Sold by cubic yard. Packaging available: 1 cf, 1.5 cf, 2 cf bags for manual transportation. 2 cy (54 cf) Jumbo bags for crane/fork use. Loose. 

4 or 6 oz. non-woven geotextile filter fabric 

8 oz. non-woven geotextile slip sheet/protection fabric 

10 or 12 oz. non-woven geotextile moisture retention mat/protection fabric 

30 or 40 mil LLDPE or HDPE root barrier/slip sheet/protection sheet 

½” or 1” drain board composite 

Other drainage/retention options are available. 

Biodegradable erosion control blanket, coir and netting with biodegradable stakes. 

Aluminum (height x base), Mill Finish Standard 

3” x 3.25” 

3.5” x 4.5” 

4” x 3.25” 

4.5” x 3.25” 

4.5” x 4.5” 

5.5” x 6.5” 

6.5” x 5.5” 

7.5” x 8.5” 

8.5” x 7.5” 

Options in same sizes: 

Pre-made 12” corners 

Drain Boxes with optional lids: 

12” or 24” Square 

14” or 20” Round. 

100% Recycled PVC, 

Black Standard 

4” x 4” 

6” x 6” 

Eco-Roofs Standard trays 4” and deeper, edge height should match or exceed tray depth. 

Eco-Roofs AGR trays, add 1” to tray depth to allow for thickness of base. 

Phone: (269) 471-7408 

Plants 

Growing Media 

Filter Fabric 

Drain Board 

Slip Sheet 

Root Barrier 

Protection Fabrics 

Roong Materials 

Roof Deck up to 

Waterproof Membrane 

Recommended Built-in-Place Layers. 

See Pages 23-26. 

Fax: (269) 471-2495 

49


Contact Information 

Eco-Roofs, LLC, is conveniently located in the southwest corner of Michigan between Interstates 

94 and 80/90 just off U.S. Highway 31. We are only 90 miles outside of Chicago and less 

than 200 miles from Detroit, Milwaukee and Indianapolis. 

Eco-Roofs, LLC 

P. O. Box 8 

Berrien Springs, MI 49103 

Phone: 269-471-7408 

Toll Free Fax: 800-854-1756 

Fax: 269-471-9235 

General E-mail: questions@eco-roofs.com 

Website: www.eco-roofs.com

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