Is there a difference between modular systems & planted in place systems (aka field applied)?
Yes. Although modular systems have some appropriate applications, when it comes to greening up roofs, we find the performance of field-applied (planted-in-place) systems are superior as they operate as a whole-integrated system. For instance, in field applied living roof systems, rainwater moves through the soil to the root systems of the plants as one whole system unlike modular systems that have hundreds or thousands of individualized containers. Also, the sub-soil fauna ecologies that develop are more healthy and dynamic and again are an integral system. From our experience, the field applied approach produces a more sustainable system requiring less maintenance, watering needs and less replacement of plants. From our experience, modular systems are surprisingly more expensive upon complete installation then planted-in place systems. In addition, modular systems require more containers and that equates to more resources per given system. They also frequently require more life suppor
