When we approach our customers, the most common question we are asked is, “How do preserved walls and living walls differ?” The first misconception we want to clear up is that one is not better than the other. Both types of walls deliver the benefit of health and wellness, and with an amazingly unique aesthetic appearance. It is just that sometimes one suits an environment and the desires of a client more than the other. If you do not have a green thumb preserved in the way to go. Living walls do require a significant amount of attention and maintenance.
The major difference between a living wall and a preserved wall is that living walls are actually alive, and preserved walls are all-natural, but they are preserved with a non-toxic glycerin based solution, a natural preservative that allows us to create sustainable and maintenance free wall gardens.
Living Walls
Living wall systems require a lot more maintenance than preserved walls. They can either be watered by hand, like any other houseplant, or they can have an irrigation system built in to deliver water according to set timers. Living walls are unique and custom-created for the client, so no two are ever alike. One of the biggest concerns with a living wall is the placement of it.
Because it requires a fair amount of light, the environment must be conducive for them to thrive. Also, they require pruning and regular maintenance both to grow healthily and also to maintain their shape and “clean” look. Finally, living walls are heavily gauged by temperature fluctuations and things like humidity. So their placement and precautions to supply them what they need to prosper is an ongoing concern.
Preserved Walls
Preserved walls are made from natural moss and other natural plant materials that are no longer alive. We use natural glycerin to maintain their natural look over time, and they do not require watering, pruning, sunlight and they are completely maintenance-free.
They can require occasional dusting to ensure that they maintain their fresh and lifelike appearance. Preserved walls are ideal for offices that do not have a lot of natural light or a dimly-lit hallway. Their greatest benefit is that they can be constructed anywhere without environmental concerns. And also that they last a very long time without any effort.
Advantages of Living Walls
Living walls can grow on any free-standing wall or on the side of any building as long as it gets the right sunlight and temperature conditions. Living walls tend to be highly aesthetically pleasing because they can use flowering plants and herbs. They also help to reduce indoor air temperatures, reduce pollution, and have a healthy effect on those around them. Living walls alter over time as the plant’s life cycle evolves. And they also have many great benefits for the environment.
Advantages of Preserved Walls
Preserved walls are sustainable and they are made from ferns, moss, flowers, and other vegetation. When the living matter is preserved, it locks in the natural color and texture of the plant. So it retains its appearance over time without any maintenance required. Preserved walls won’t ever release allergens like pollen spores into the air, like living plants. But they offer the same health benefits to reduce stress and increase creativity.
When Living Walls Might be a Better Option
Living walls tend to be highly attractive to homeowners who have open and airy environments, filled with enough natural light to sustain them. They are also ideal for the gardener who likes to prune and doesn’t mind maintaining them. Living walls are also a good choice for industries that want to showcase their environmental commitment and are looking for that “wow” factor and do not mind having someone care for the walls regularly.
When Preserved Walls Might be a Better Option
Preserved walls make an excellent choice for organizations that don’t have a lot of natural light or the time to maintain a living wall. Offices that are shut in without a whole lot of light get the benefit of a unique and environmentally friendly wall design without all the hassles necessary to make a living wall thrive. Preserved walls give you the best of both worlds; they are aesthetically pleasing and help positivity and creativity flow in the workplace. And since they are maintenance-free, you get all the benefits of having a natural wall without constantly having to worry about keeping it alive and looking pretty.