Preparing Your Green Roof for Winter in Finland: Expert Advice

Ensuring a Flourishing Green Roof in Harsh Nordic Winters

Leaves and branches on a green roof will become a problem in the future. Credits: Dmitrii Plekhanov

The last days of October and the beginning of November mark the time when nature in Finland prepares for the arrival of winter. Winter preparation involves not only swapping summer clothes for warm jackets and changing summer tires to winter ones but also preparing our homes, yards, and green roofs for the absence of light, severe snowfall, and frost.

For many people, a green roof is not just a stylish addition to their homes but also a source of pride and ecological responsibility. In this article, we will explore essential steps to prepare your green roof for winter, ensuring its prosperity and beauty for many years. We will also address whether these actions can be taken independently or if it's better to involve specialists, providing you with the pros and cons of both options.

The leaves in the corner on the green roof created a small slide of a pale shade. Credits: Dmitrii Plekhanov

Issues with Green Roofs in Winter Months

In late October and early November, Finland enters a period of worsening weather conditions. Strong winds, snowfalls, freezing temperatures, coupled with short daylight hours, pose a threat to green roofs and can lead to the following problems:

Snow Weight: Snow accumulates on green roofs and can cause excessive loads, damaging plants and roof structures.

Drying Out: Dry winters can lead to the dehydration of plants, resulting in wilting and death.

Freezing Temperatures: Low temperatures can freeze plant roots, causing damage.

Snow Slides: Snow sliding off the roof can damage plants and create an inhospitable environment around the house.

Darkness: Low temperatures and short daylight hours are a stress factor for many crops used on the roof. Plant death is a common issue.

Steps for Preparing Your Green Roof for Winter

To avoid these problems, take the following steps:

Clean-Up: Before the onset of snowfall, clean your green roof from fallen leaves, branches, pinecones, needles, withered plants, and other debris. Leaves and needles from nearby trees can accumulate in small, inconspicuous piles, blocking light access to green roof plants and forming dead patches. These accumulations should be removed.

Fertilization: Fertilize the plants used on the green roof; it is recommended to use granular complex fertilizers. Fall fertilization helps plants withstand winter frost more easily and replenishes nutrients needed for regrowth in spring after winter.

Moisture and Drainage: Moisture is crucial for plants on the green roof. Before frost sets in, ensure the roof's drainage system and drains are clear, and excess moisture removal is unimpeded.

Repairs: Areas without vegetation cover on the roof are susceptible to erosion. Wind and precipitation can remove part of the soil not bound to the substrate layer. Over time, pieces of the plastic substrate layer will degrade due to UV radiation. Such areas should be repaired by adding soil before spring.

Professional Maintenance: Regular professional maintenance of the green roof can ensure its long lifespan and the health of plants.

The plastic of the substrate peeks out from under the soil and plants. Credits: Dmitrii Plekhanov

Actions to Take Independently or with Professional Assistance

It is entirely possible to independently perform clean-up, fertilization, and cleaning of the roof's drainage system if you have the necessary skills and equipment. However, even for such and more complex tasks, involving experienced specialists is advisable. Safety measures should not be overlooked. The roof is an object of increased attention and danger. Conducting inspections, repair works, or other activities at height is risky. It is better to entrust this work to professionals. This will ensure safety, a more qualitative result, and prevent potential damage.

Summary

Preparing a green roof for winter is a crucial step in taking care of your environmentally responsible roof. Careful attention and timely actions will help you enjoy its beauty and environmental benefits throughout the winter season.

Share this article with friends and neighbors who also appreciate green roofs, and together we can make Finland more environmentally sustainable.