Magazine - Sedum matting captures the imagination

14 Oct 2004 by BTB

I went to a greenroof conference in Sheffield and most of the expert speakers stated that sedum matting was basically inert and did not encourage wild life, they also said that there were problems with getting the mats esablished and the joint areas in alot of cases die. Also they are not maintenance free. Please could you elaborate or were the speakers not telling the truth, is not better to use sedum plugs instead of inert matting. I would like to learn more about it.

14 Oct 2004 by imaginery member no 7!!!!!!

What are the temperature extremes sedum lawn roofs can tolerate with a modicum of maintenance?

25 Oct 2004 by Angela Lambert

The sedum species used for Enviromat sedum matting have been selected to be able to cope with the British weather. They're frost hardy, and are very well adapted to survival in hot,dry weather. What these plants don't like is soggy soil and/or shade. In a prolonged drought, the leaves will take on a rubbery appearance, a bit like a deflated balloon, but they soon recover when watered

25 Oct 2004 by AL - re sedum mats for green roofing

BFP Ltd don't market Enviromat for commercial green roofing so I'm afraid I can't give detailed answers to your questions but I'll try to help where I can.
Wildlife: Our production fields are teeming with wildlife: insects and their predators, birds gathering seedheads for nesting materials, bees, butterflies etc. Of course there may be some wild creatures that prefer a different type of green roof but I certainly wouldn't describe sedum matting as unattractive to wildlife.
Establishment: We work closely with the leading supplier of green roofs in the UK. As far as I can tell from the lack of complaints, if it's properly installed sedum matting is no more difficult to establish than any other type of greenery provided the plants are given the conditions that they need - plenty of natural light and the correct drainage.
Maintenance: Green, Brown, living or inert, no roof is completely maintenance free, but I am assured that a properly installed sedum roof is very low maintenance. Once established it shouldn't need anything more than one application of fertiliser a year.

2 Nov 2004 by paul stearn

I agree with Angela and most of everyone elses comments so far
I have seen some of the sedum roofs in and around east anglia.On schools and houses the sedum looks impressive and is more colourful in the autumn when under stress such as low rainfall or when cold.It is true that the joints do not match up well sometimes and that it is certainly not maintenance free.On areas where the sedum does not take to well it is invaded by weed or tree seeds.So visual inspections should be carried out on a regular basis.It does not like to lay very wet or very dry for long spells.However if as in most cases there is some pitch to the roof or if the underlying drainage is well designed these sedum mats are really an excellent feature .As regards wild life.I think that the sedum mats attract birds but no more so than any other green space.As stated the sedum is very frost hardy and if correctly installed and maintained will always look good.As regards fertilising once a year.Always use a quick acting liquid as there could be problems with granular type.especially regarding run off into drains.