Three Services to Expect when Having Living Walls Installed in the Workplace

One of the most impressive decorative additions to an office is a wall completely made of living plants. These living walls, as they are often called, features grasses and small plants that give a forest fresh and airy feel to wherever they are situated. They can be quite awesome to see, particularly when found in an office reception area or lobby.

Also known as green walls, the positive effects of this type of decor make the investment worthwhile, and for many interior and office landscape designers it is a piece that they often consider to have included as part of their design concept.

The practical advantages of such a structure are pretty obvious, with a natural supply of oxygenated air available, and the consequential benefits of improved concentration, higher production rates and a more cheerful working environment.

However, for any company considering getting such a wall of living greenery, it is important that certain services are also attained, three of which are detailed below.

Detailed Consultation

It is only logical that a consultation should be arranged before any installation takes place. However, the detail and quality of the consultation is very important. There is little to be gained from a representative of the installation company meeting the client, showing a few pictures and deciding on a date to come round. A true professional will visit the site, view the wall to be worked on, listen to what the client wants and, ultimately, achieve the concept that is desired.

The whole consultation does not need to be very time consuming, but there are practical issues that will need to be ironed out that will typically require at least one site visit. Once the actual appearance of the wall is agreed, complete with an array of plants to be used, a date and time for the installation can be agreed.

Wall Maintenance

With the wall comprising so many different structural aspects, like metal frames, panels and an inbuilt irrigation system, it is only natural that the system would need to be regularly maintained. This means that the wall installers should often visit to take a careful look to see that everything is working efficiently. The frames should still be secured soundly and the plant panels should still be fixed firmly to the frame.

These issues are very basic, but it is the irrigation system that is of particular concern because of the technology involved. The system has a controller, which serves to regulate the water supply that travels through drip lines into the panels to nourish the plants. The sensors used to measure temperature and moisture levels must also be checked. A full and proper maintenance service will also clear any spillage or damage to surrounding surfaces, such as the floor and any furniture that might be located below the wall.

Thanks to the wonders of modern internet technology, it is also possible to monitor the performance of the wall remotely. Users are able to increase the dripped supply of water to the plants should the sensors indicate that they are drying out.

Plant Monitoring

In the case of all such walls, the plants in it have to be carefully monitored to ensure their health is maintained. The plants themselves are rooted in either a specially developed growth material or traditional soil, and the plants should remain green and lush over the entire wall area.

However, if living walls are located outside, such as in a staff canteen garden, then weather conditions can have an adverse effect, with storms, an unexpected temperature drop or a heat wave potentially causing serious damage to the plants.

Meanwhile, if they are located inside, for example in the office reception area, then the heating system could dry the plants out. Of course, the inbuilt irrigation system should ensure that the plants are always suitably watered, but as with all living things, a close eye is always necessary.

It is true that living or green, walls are very impressive feature in a visual sense, but there is no getting away from the fact that they must be carefully maintained if their effectiveness is to be retained. Of course, for landscape designers and companies alike, the dramatic impact and beneficial attributes of such walls justifies both the effort and the investment.

About the Author

Sarah Shore writes articles for an interior landscaping company. living walls are increasingly popular options for businesses. They are often known as