No system’s foolproof, especially with green roofs. Seems like mixing a couple methods—tags, photos, maybe a backup drawing—covers most of the bases.
I get the logic behind using a mix of methods, but honestly, I found myself getting more confused the more “systems” I tried to juggle. I started with color-coded flags, then added metal tags, then tried to keep a sketch on my phone... and somehow still managed to lose track of where the sedum ended and the wild strawberries started. Maybe it’s just me, but too many backups started feeling like a scavenger hunt every time I needed to check a drain.
Also, about the stainless steel tags—yeah, they’re tougher, but in my case, they got so hot in the sun that I actually burned my fingers once. Not exactly a major injury, but enough to make me rethink crawling around up there in July. Plus, the glare off those things is no joke if you’re up there at noon.
The photo thing is probably the only one that’s really stuck for me, but even then, half my pics are blurry or have my thumb in them. I guess what I’m saying is, sometimes simpler is better? I ended up just sticking with a single laminated map by the hatch and calling it good. If stuff gets buried, I figure it’s nature’s way of telling me to let it be for a while.
And as for keeping labels visible—if anyone invents a plant-proof, weather-proof, raccoon-proof marker, I’ll take a dozen. Until then, I’m just embracing the chaos and hoping my neighbor doesn’t mind the occasional mystery flag in her tomatoes.
I hear you on the chaos—tried juggling tags, maps, and photos myself, and it just turned into a mess. My “system” now is basically hoping I remember what’s what until something blooms. Sometimes less really is more, especially when raccoons get involved.
My “system” now is basically hoping I remember what’s what until something blooms. Sometimes less really is more, especially when raccoons get involved.
That’s pretty much the story of every garden project I’ve seen, especially once wildlife gets curious. Out of curiosity, did you run into any issues with drainage or roof access when you started? I’ve noticed a lot of folks forget about how much weight those green roofs add, and then there’s the whole question of how to keep critters from nesting up there. Ever had to deal with that, or did you just let nature take its course?
I’ve noticed a lot of folks forget about how much weight those green roofs add, and then there’s the whole question of how to keep critters from nesting up there.
I was definitely worried about weight when I started looking into it. The structural engineer I talked to made a huge deal out of it—turns out even the “lightweight” systems add more than you’d expect, especially if you get a big rain. My roof is a low-slope asphalt with wood framing, maybe 18 years old, so I had to reinforce a couple of joists before even thinking about the soil.
Drainage was another headache. I ended up using a modular tray system that channels water toward the downspouts, but it still needs regular checks. I haven’t had raccoons (yet), but squirrels did try to dig in the first year. I put in metal mesh around the edges and that seemed to help, but honestly... you can only do so much. Sometimes I think you just have to accept a bit of “nature happens” with this kind of project.
Roof access is still awkward, though. I’m not climbing up there as often as maybe I should.
Yeah, the weight thing really surprised me too. I figured “lightweight” meant barely noticeable, but once you factor in soaked soil, it adds up fast. I’ve got a similar roof age and had to beef up a couple beams. Critters are a pain—squirrels love any excuse to dig around. I tried peppermint oil up there for a bit, but honestly, they just got used to it. Roof access is a whole other story... mine’s so steep I basically need climbing gear.
