Maintaining a living wall is essential for ensuring its longevity and vitality, much like caring for any traditional garden. At Viritopia, we are proud to have installed the World’s largest living wall, and Europe’s largest living wall, both are which are still thriving now.
So how are they still alive and impacting the environment? Viritopia offers a turnkey solution, meaning we support our clients and help them from the initial design and consultancy right through to the ongoing maintenance of the living wall. This is Viritopia’s number one focus, as so many living walls in the industry have had a ‘set it and forget it’ approach – ultimately resulting in living wall failure.
In this blog, we’re going to breakdown why maintenance is key for living walls longevity.
Why is living wall maintenance important?
Plant health
Living walls are made up of carefully selected species for that particular environment. As a living product, plants are likely to face challenges such as pests and diseases, nutrient deficiencies and even plant failure.
Our expert maintenance team will apply the correct products to prevent this, and replace any dying plants in the process, as well as a general routine check for discolouration, wilting or other signs of stress.
Promoting air quality
The living walls number one priority is improving the air quality. If plants aren’t looked after properly, there will be a lack of impact. Stresses, deteriorating, and wilting plants reduces their capacity to make the impact they are supposed to.
Noise pollution
The dense plant coverage in a living wall absorbs and reduces noise, which is especially valuable in urban settings or busy offices.
However, if the wall begins to thin out due to poor plant health or overcrowding, its noise-cancelling properties weaken. With regular upkeep, a living wall can continue providing natural soundproofing for years to come.
General aesthetics
Living walls are often installed as focal points in spaces due to their visual appeal. Without regular maintenance, a green wall can lose its lush, vibrant look, diminishing the aesthetic value it brings to your environment.
Maintenance routines like pruning and trimming prevent overcrowding, encourage new growth, and maintain the wall's beautiful design.
Viritopia’s maintenance services ensure that every plant is pruned and shaped, keeping your wall looking fresh and full.
Extended life of the living wall system
Living walls can be a significant investment and proper care is needed to maximise its longevity.
Living walls may need the proper irrigation system, access to water, structural support, and sometimes even special lighting, all of which allows the maintenance to run smoother as the wall is being looked after in between maintenance visits.
The regular maintenance checks a living wall receives will make sure it is getting the correct amount of water, light, and health of the plants as well as checks to the irrigation system and surrounding area of the living wall.
Living Walls from Viritopia
With over 20 years of experience of designing and maintaining biophilic infrastructure, Viritopia can create a detailed plan of how a scheme will meet regulatory requirements.
Book a consultation with Viritopia
Maintaining a living wall doesn’t just keep it looking beautiful; it ensures that your living wall continues to provide the environmental, aesthetic, and health benefits it was designed for.
Whether your wall is a simple, small installation or wrapping an entire building, regular care is essential to make the most of your investment.
With Viritopia’s expertise in living wall maintenance, you can enjoy a thriving, sustainable living wall for years to come, transforming your space into a haven of natural beauty and wellness.
Book a living wall consultation with our expert team today to find out more about how we can help you with your living wall project and maintenance.