Liz Sadler Cryan of Brownstoner writes:

The design of the green roof will depend on the strength of the roof – a stronger roof will allow for deeper soil and more diverse plantings such as wildflowers and vegetables.

It’s hard to miss the soaring three-acre meadow that graces the top of Barclays Center. But green roofs – or living roofs — are also branching into brownstone Brooklyn, where homeowners with sturdy enough roofs can enjoy their environmental and financial benefits.

“Not only are green roofs really beautiful, nice places to hang out and are good for the environment, but they save the building on energy costs and make it a lot cooler,” said Inger Yancey of Brooklyn Green Roof. “The top floor will be 5 to 7 degrees cooler than outside if it has a green roof. It also cuts down on sound and, in winter, it keeps more of the heat inside.”

“The place to start is with the structural integrity of the roof,” said Eric Dalski of Highview Creations. A structural engineer can provide an assessment by reviewing architectural drawings or drilling into the ceiling to see the joists.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know Before Installing a Green Roof