Rooftop Retreat - Phase 2

Some people look at the city and see the problems, at New York Plantings we look at the city and see the possibilities. That is exactly what we have done with our latest rooftop project. Our garden design company is taking this area from a black tarred roof to a peaceful garden complete with blue stone pavers, a wooden deck and even an area of live grass. Custom planters, an eating area and bamboo screens are also being added to this well thought out city oasis.

As anyone who reads our blog knows, Todd Nappi and New York Plantings believe in helping Manhattan “Go green!” and that is exactly what he is doing with this rooftop transformation. Rooftop gardens can make buildings cooler, save on energy costs and adds beauty and much needed useable space.

hot black roof adding to ozone pollution

You may understand the cooling concept better if you think about what it feels like to walk from an asphalt parking lot to a park with shade-trees. You can feel the temperature drop almost immediately. The reason for this change in temperature is that dark surfaces absorb and radiate heat causing a temperature rise of as much as 6 to 10 degrees. That’s a big difference in a person’s comfort level on a hot day, but there are environmental consequences too.

"Going green" will help solve the pollution problem

This rise in temperature on a rooftop raises the temperature inside the building too. This means more air conditioning, more energy from our power plants and, therefore, more air pollution. The trapped heat from the dark surface also creates more smog because air pollution from other sources is magnified by increased heat. One of these pollutants, ozone, is particularly dangerous to humans causing eye irritation, asthma and can even cause permanent lung damage.

	Now, how much of this our customer is considering I’m not sure, but I do know they are considering the design, beauty and usability of this previously undeveloped rooftop space.
The blue stone pavers were the perfect choice for this peaceful sanctuary. The wood decking adds an air of understated sophistication that allows attention to be focused on the wonderful custom designed and fabricated planters provided by New York Plantings. I just have to mention here that our crew is top of the line when it comes to – well, everything! These custom planters are just another example of their skills and talent at providing exactly what our customers picture in their “dream garden.”

Of course, we can’t forget the importance of good irrigation, also provided by New York Plantings.

At this point in the project, we have brought the materials to the rooftop and have started the precision work of cutting and laying the pavers. We are also closely following the design as we lay the deck to make sure the homeowner gets exactly what we agreed upon. And, of course, protecting the homeowner’s investment is paramount in our minds as we cut drain mats to protect the roof, support the pavers and allow proper drainage for this project. 
This kind of attention to detail is one of the things our customers always complement us about. On this garden design project that means making sure all the planters are identical – the same height and perfectly level.

We’ll have an updated blog when the work is complete. I don’t know about you, but the homeowners are excited to see the end results and the crew at New York Plantings can’t wait for them to start enjoying their rooftop retreat!