In our previous blog post, we covered various technical FAQs about living walls. However, there are also many practical considerations about living wall installation that our readers wanted us to address. Here is an overview of everything our customers wanted to know about living walls to help them make their purchase decision easier!
1. What kind of disruption should I expect during the installation of a living wall, and how can it be minimized for my tenants or business?
The installation process can cause minimal disruptions, such as noise, movement of objects, and temporary barricading of some areas. At Eco Brooklyn, we can work around your schedule by trying to plan the work during off-peak hours, using efficient processes to speed up installation, and taking measures to minimize noise and dust. In occupied buildings, we section off work areas to reduce interference with daily operations, ensuring minimal inconvenience for tenants or business operations.
2. How will a living wall impact the resale or leasing value of my building, and are there specific examples from NYC properties?
Living walls add a modern, eco-friendly appeal that boosts a building’s resale or leasing value. In NYC, properties featuring green walls often see increased demand due to their aesthetic and environmental benefits. Furthermore, real estate experts recommend adding green walls and using eco-friendly materials in buildings to boost property value and increase rental rates [1]. Buildings with living walls are easier to market to environmentally-conscious buyers and tenants, and they often stand out in listings.
3. What are the potential tax benefits or incentives for installing a living wall in commercial or mixed-use buildings in New York?
New York City offers various incentives for sustainable building practices, including the Green Roof Tax Abatement program, which is applicable to buildings with green roofs [2]. This program provides a property tax credit for buildings that incorporate green infrastructure. We can help you navigate these opportunities to maximize your savings. Additionally, you may also be able to earn LEED credits for your living walls to boost your property’s reputation and value.
4. How do I ensure that the living wall stays healthy and vibrant without needing frequent intervention or costly upkeep?
A well-designed irrigation system and selecting the right plants for your environment are key to low-maintenance living walls. At Eco Brooklyn, we tailor each installation to the specific climate, lighting, and humidity conditions of your building. We also offer an affordable maintenance plan that ensures the wall stays healthy with periodic check-ups and adjustments, all while keeping costs down.
5. What are the upfront costs versus long-term savings of a living wall, specifically for energy efficiency and building maintenance in NYC?
While upfront costs can vary depending on the size and complexity of the wall, the long-term savings are significant. As per our calculations, a 250 sq foot living wall at a boutique hotel in Manhattan can lead to total energy savings of $72,000 in 5 years and an ROI of ~800%. Check the details in our previous blog post.
6. How does the appearance of a living wall change throughout the year, and how can I maintain its aesthetic appeal during winter months?
The appearance will vary depending on the plant selection. Evergreen plants can keep the wall lush year-round, while seasonal plants will showcase natural changes. For winter months, we design walls using plants that retain their vibrancy even in colder weather. Our maintenance service ensures that any seasonal changes remain visually appealing.
7. How do you handle situations where parts of the living wall fail or die off unexpectedly? What’s the replacement process like?
In the unlikely event that any part of the living wall fails, we quickly assess the issue, whether it’s due to irrigation problems, disease, or environmental factors. Our team will replace dead plants with minimal disruption, often within 72 hours, under our maintenance guarantee. We use high-quality, resilient plants to minimize the chance of failure.
8. Can I customize the plant selection to reflect the branding or aesthetic of my building or business?
Absolutely. We work closely with our clients to select plants that align with your brand colors, aesthetic, and the architectural style of your building. Whether you’re looking for a specific look or plants that reflect your environmental values, we customize the design to fit your needs.
9. How will having a living wall impact my building’s operational costs (e.g., water usage, maintenance staff)?
Living walls are designed to be water-efficient with integrated drip irrigation systems that use minimal water. The operational cost impact is typically low, especially when you factor in the long-term energy savings and reduced facade maintenance costs. We offer various maintenance plans to suit your budget and operational preferences.
11. Are there examples of living walls in similar buildings or neighborhoods to mine?
Yes, we’ve installed living walls in various commercial and residential buildings throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. Kindly check our living walls portfolio for a closer glance at our work! You can also check our Google reviews to find out what our clients think of our services.
12. What happens if I decide to remove or significantly change the living wall down the road? What’s the process and cost for de-installation or modification? De-installation or modification is a straightforward process. We carefully remove the system and restore the facade to its original condition. Costs vary depending on the complexity of the wall and the changes required. We offer competitive rates and can provide a detailed estimate before any work begins.
Conclusion
Now that you are fully familiar with the living wall installation process and its benefits, let us amp up your property with a stunning living wall. Contact Eco Brooklyn today for hassle-free professional living wall installations in New York!
References –
[1] Revolution Rental Management. (n.d.). Property owners: Profits with resident experience and financial gains. Revolution Rental Management. https://www.revolutionrentalmanagement.com/property-management-blog/property-owners-profits-with-resident-experience-and-financial-gains
[2] NYC Department of Finance. (n.d.). Green roof tax abatement program. New York City. https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/property/landlords-green-roof.page#:~:text=This%20program%20provides%20a%20one,higher%20temperatures%20than%20surrounding%20areas