When building a retaining wall explore the options to ensure its vegetation
Rootlok enables clients, architects and homeowners to increase green infrastructure within their schemes and projects. The system can be vegetated using any grasses and plants that allow the structure to blend seamlessly with native flora. Features such as bat boxes, pipe inlets through to back soils soils for voles and birds can be added during the design stage helping to create habitats for local wildlife whilst enhancing the natural environment.
The Rootlok System brings numerous benefits to the local eco-system, delivering major biodiversity gains in both urban and rural applications. There are several vegetation methods to allow you to achieve the green benefits offered by the system.
Rootlok’s segmental design allows the integration of many plant species within the structure*. It creates an environment for vegetation to thrive*, resulting in a strong root system that enhances the structural integrity of the system and its green credentials.
*Vegetation should be well planned to suit the local surrounding and location of the wall to achieve the expectations of the client/owner.
There is a wide variety of seed mixes, when hydroseeding, available to suit your application. To view these please visit our hydroseeding seed mixes page.
Establishing Vegetation with a Rootlok Wall
Hydroseeding
Geogrow's Hydroseeding is the most cost effective method of establishing new vegetation successfully.
Hydroseeding is a method of combining water, high-performance thermally refined wood fibre, seeds, fertilisers and tackifiers. The materials are mixed in a hydroseeding machine to form a slurry, which is then sprayed onto surfaces to quickly establish vegetation. This process is sometimes referred to as hydro-mulching.
The delivered mulch provides the ideal environment to achieve faster germination and a more even establishment of vegetation, providing greater seed contact with the Rootlok geotextile bags.
All our hydroseeding materials are 100% organic, biodegradable and non-toxic, making it suitable for all land and water course applications. Various grass seed mixes, including flowering shrubs and small tree species can be used to the clients specification using the hydroseeding method. Seed mixes including low-maintenance, shade and drought tolerant, riverbank mix, wildflower and amenity mixes are all suitable mixes for hydroseeding large open spaces and erosion control areas.
Seed
This solution is most cost effective for a small Rootlok retaining wall, and is ideal for use in tight spaces. The Rootlok bags are prefilled with your desired seed mix during the manufacturing process, and once installed the bags will begin to vegetate.
During the filling process a seed mixture of your choice is inserted into the bags alongside the sand/soil mix. Various grass seed mixes, including flowering shrubs and small tree species can be used to the clients specification using this method.
Pre-seeded bags are often the preferred method for establishing vegetation for smaller installations and areas where hydroseeding would be difficult.
Turf
Where an ‘instant green finish’ is preferred, turf can easily be secured to the Rootlok bags providing vegetation coverage quickly. The turf is pinned to the face of the Rootlok wall, securing it whilst it roots in to the geotextile bags. This is best for low height walls where instant vegetation is required.
Live planting
Plant plugs and live stakes can be used to vegetate the system, either by inserting them into the bags or placing them in-between the bags. Live planting can be completed during or after installation. A variety of plants can be used with this method to the clients specification. It is ideal for small to medium projects, areas where hydroseed isn’t suitable and where a more decorative finish is desired.
We can provide advice regarding the best vegetation scheme for your project, please get in touch to discuss this with one of our team.
To learn more about our Rootlok systems please contact us to learn more
01543 224800
sales@geogrow.com