Greenscape 30/30/40 Lightweight Soil Mix

PRODUCT DATA SHEET

Greenscape 30/30/40 lightweight soil mix

for green roofs

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Introduction

It is important to have a good quality soil mix which is specifically designed for green roofs. The soil must be lightweight, free draining, water retentive, contain sufficient nutrition for healthy plant growth and be slow to breakdown.

Description

The Greenscape 30/30/40 lightweight soil mix is a specially formulated soil mix designed for optimum green roof performance. The soil mix contains FytocellTM flakes which are used in the commercial landscape sector for water and nutrient retention. This mix is also typically one third lighter than a standard topsoil when saturated. This significantly reduces weight loadings on a roof deck. The air pores within the Fytocell flakes and the soil mix provide good drainage channels for excess water to move quickly and freely through the rootzone and off the roof via the drainage board and outlets. Therefore any excess weight loading and waterlogging is reduced. The Fytocell flakes within the soil mix are able to retain around 60% of their volume with water, however there is always 40% air. This provides a very good air/water ratio for healthy and vigorous root growth, even when saturated. The enhanced water retention reduces the irrigation requirement and therefore saves on resources and associated energy costs.

Application

The Greenscape 30/30/40 lightweight soil mix should be used in conjunction with the other relevant and specified components of the Greenscape green roof system. The roof deck and any associated planters should have sufficient drainage points to allow any excess water to drain away and prevent ponding.

Surface preparation

The Greenscape 30/30/40 lightweight soil mix must be used in association with the relevant Greenscape drainage system.

Performance and properties

material (approx percentage) 30% sandy loam

30% peat free compost

40% FytocellTM flakes

approx weight 700 kg/m-3 dry weight

1,000-1,200 kg/m-3 wet weight

approx ph value 6.5-7.5

delivery 1.5m3 IBC bulk bags

1m3 IBC bulk bags

40 litre bags

loose bulk tippers

settlement allow approx 15-20%

Installation

The Greenscape 30/30/40 lightweight soil mix is laid on top of the other relevant Greenscape components within the system. The depth of soilmix is determined by the planting type and green roof system. If the soil mix is delivered to site in 1m3 or 1.5m3 IBC bulk bags, then they are generally lifted onto the roof by a crane where the bottom of the bag is opened and the soil is poured into position directly from the bag. The soil mix can also be delivered to site in bulk tippers or 40 litre bags if required. The soil mix should be firmed to reduce excess settlement, and leveled off using shovels and rakes. It should not be installed or walked upon in situ if excessively wet. It is recommended that a mulch (e.g. bark or slate chips) is used on top of the soil mix to reduce moisture loss, weed growth and “blowing” of the soil mix in potentially windy situations.

Typical specification

The Greenscape 30/30/40 soil mix is typically used in Greenscape intensive and extensive (meadow and turf) systems. The mix should be laid in accordance with Greenscape’s instructions, and used with other relevant specified Greenscape components.

Delivery and storage

The Greenscape 30/30/40 lightweight soil mix is generally delivered on lorries in either 1.0m3 or 1.5m3 IBC bulk bags, 40 litre bags or loose bulk tippers.

The soil mix should be kept covered, dry and free from contamination prior to being installed.

NOTE: This information is given in good faith based on the latest knowledge known to Greenscape. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this publication are current when going to press, customers are advised that products, techniques and Codes of Practice are under constant review and liable to change without notice. Up-to-date information is available on request.

Responsibility cannot be accepted for the application of products, and no claims can be considered, where the manufacturer’s instructions have not been followed. The user should not assume; based on information provided in this sheet, that the product is suitable for any abnormal used.

Greenscape

Wrongs Farm

87 Wells Hall Road

Great Cornard

Sudbury

Suffolk

CO10 0NH

Tel: 01787 467850 Fax: 01787 467855

Email:

www.greenscape.eu.com

An operating division of TankSafe Hardfoam Limited

Registered No. 4977788 VAT Reg. No. 8672532 03

Registered Office: 46-54 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9DW