What types of living wall system are there?

Modular panel: pre-planted panels clipped to a frame, 40+ plants/m2. Felt pocket: fabric pockets with growing medium, 50+ plants/m2. Climbing trellis: stainless steel wire or mesh for climbers, lower density but simpler. Stacked planters: box sections with cascading plants.

How much does a living wall weigh?

Saturated weights vary: modular panels 25-35 kg/m2, felt systems 10-20 kg/m2, trellis with climbers 5-10 kg/m2, stacked planters 35-50 kg/m2. The supporting wall must be assessed by a structural engineer for larger installations.

How much water does a living wall need?

Typical irrigation: 2-5 litres per m2 per watering cycle, watered 1-3 times per day depending on season and exposure. South-facing walls in summer need more. An automated irrigation system with timers and moisture sensors is essential for walls over 5m2.

Do living walls need planning permission?

Generally not for private properties, as living walls are usually considered permitted development. Commercial buildings may need approval depending on the local authority. Listed buildings and conservation areas may have restrictions. Always check with your local planning department.

What maintenance does a living wall need?

Weekly: check irrigation system and water supply. Monthly: replace dead plants (expect 5-10% annual replacement), prune overgrowth, check for pests. Quarterly: fertilise, inspect frame and fixings. Annually: service irrigation pump, clean filters, deep prune. Professional maintenance contracts are recommended for commercial installations.

TradeCalculator

Living Wall Calculator

Calculate frame, planting, irrigation, and drainage for living walls

System Type

Wall Height

Wall Width

How We Calculate This

Select the living wall system type and enter the wall dimensions. The calculator determines the total planting area, number of planting pockets based on the system density, irrigation pipe metres (horizontal rows every 0.5m plus risers), water supply rate per cycle, daily and annual water consumption, drainage volume, and structural weight loading.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.