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Another—and particularly more innovative—use of vegetation involves the “green” roof (also known as the living roof). Comprised of trees, shrubs, low-growth grasses, and sedums, “green” roofs can cap just about any structure in a community. The vegetation on a “green” roof is drought tolerant, weed resistant, can withstand extreme temperatures, and do not need mowing.

One of the main purposes of a “green” roof is to control stormwater runoff. Rainwater can be collected, filtered, and stored in a cistern. The water is then utilized in irrigation and wash-down systems. Also, drainage systems can help control the amount of stormwater being released into a community’s sewer system.

A “green” roof can also help reduce urban heat island effect, a phenomenon in which a metropolitan area is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas. They are also particularly useful in eliminating the risk of salt and other corrosives being introduced to a structure’s roof, improving outdoor air quality since the vegetation can trap dust and absorb carbon dioxide, and increasing biodiversity by creating a habitat for insects, birds, and butterflies
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