A green roof is an eco-friendly option for saving energy, purifying the air, and improving biodiversity in developed areas. However, for optimal results and minimal maintenance, you'll want to ensure your roof meshes with the local New York ecosystem. After laying down your green roof soil, consider adding these plants.

What to Plant on a Green Roof

1. Succulents

Succulents are an obvious choice because they can tolerate irregular watering and are easy to propagate, so they won't need much maintenance. Sedums, also called stonecrops, are an especially good choice for their beautiful flowers and versatility. The only one native to New York is the woodland stonecrop, but for variety, you could also add goldmoss stonecrop or white stonecrop.

2. Native Flowers

If you want more colors than green on your surface, wildflowers are the way to go. Many are low-growing, making them perfect for the limited soil depth on your roof, and they help support local pollinators. Blackeyed Susans, field chickweed, lanceleaf tickseed, common goldstar, and Virginia tephrosia are all native to New York and don't need much maintenance.

3. Grasses

Grass provides a simple, straightforward cover that'll help keep your green roof soil in place. Prairie Junegrass, a hardy, self-propagating native plant, features tufted heads that differ from the thick, low-growing green grasses used for your lawn. Prairie dropseed is more lush and green, growing in tufts that are two to three feet tall.

If you need green roof soil and compost to create the ideal rooftop garden, choose WeCare. Based in West Henrietta, NY, their products ship to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and throughout the United States. They have over 20 years of experience providing engineered soils and fertilizers, so they can help you find what you need. Call (315) 575-4595 to speak to a knowledgeable representative about your roof, or view their products on their website.