How to Landscape Your Roof

Inspect your roof. As a homeowner, you may want to hire a roofing inspector or contractor to ensure your roof is safe for landscaping. This will include both an interior and exterior structure inspection to ensure the roof is in good condition, free of leaks and structurally sound to support the added weight of turf, grass, plants and other lawn elements. Failure to inspect the structure of your roof could lead to roof and wall damage or collapse. If you have a landlord, be sure to ask permission before landscaping your roof or building a roof garden. Be sure you have an adequate water source for caring for and landscaping your garden. Keep in mind that you will need an area and downspout for water runoff and proper drainage.

Create an idea first. Before you start landscaping your roof area, make sure you have an idea of what type of landscape you want. Common types of rooftop gardens include raised vegetable beds, potted plant garden, turf garden and a butterfly garden. Take into consideration care and upkeep when you landscape your space.

Visit a local garden center to acquire the necessary materials or use supplies you have on hand. The basics to get started on your garden include sod, topsoil, woodchips, shovels, garden trowel, wheelbarrow, watering cans, plastic weed preventer, weed trimmer and hedge trimmer. You can purchase a wooden raised garden bed that is already assembled or use recycled materials to create a one-of-a-kind container.

Build the garden in an area that will be easy to access. Raised beds can be placed in rows where there is adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Sod or woodchips can be placed in between beds or in bare areas to create a soft pathway. Use a weed preventer or plastic tarp to keep weeds at bay and lock moisture in. Trees and ornamental shrubs can rest and grow inside large pots or raised beds.

Maintain your landscape daily and weekly. Make sure plants are watered daily. Keep sod and bushes trimmed with electric and hand-powered grass and hedge cutters. Add plants that will bloom year-round and fill in with flowering annuals for continual style and color. Check to make sure flower beds drain properly and there is no water backup underneath or in corners.