Rejuvenating a Neglected Living Wall

  • Preparation:

    • Place a tarp beneath the wall to catch debris.

  • Removal of Dead Plant Material:

    • Remove all dead plant material and root wraps from each pocket.

    • Place debris into a bag for disposal or composting.

    • Reusable wraps can be cleaned and saved, while others can be discarded. Consider ordering new wraps if needed.

  • Cleaning the Wall:

    • Prepare a cleaning solution using:

      • 1 gallon Water

      • 1/4 teaspoon Detergent

      • ½ Cup Vinegar

      • ¼ cup bleach

    • Thoroughly spray all wall areas and let it soak overnight, or at least a few hours.

    • Rinse the wall with pure water three to four times using a pressure sprayer or a garden hose with a spray nozzle if possible.

    • Remove any remaining roots and wipe away residue with a terry cloth.

    • Tighten any loose pockets.

    • Repair broken pockets with coated deck screws.

    • Replace damaged panels if necessary.

  • Irrigation System Check:

    • Manual Inspection:

      • Turn on the irrigation system manually.

      • Ensure each dripper is functioning properly.

      • Verify there's only one drip line at the top of the wall with two emitters per pocket. 

      • Emitters should be 1.5 inches away from the staple point on each pocket's edge. 

      • The top row of plants should not be directly watered; felt is watered on each side, and not directly onto the top plant. 

      • All emitters should have a uniform drip. 

      • Check for leaks and other piping issues. 

      • Disconnect any lines below the top row to prevent uneven water distribution. 

    • Water Source:

      • Check if the water source is reliable and not prone to accidental shut-offs.  Consider upgrading the water source if needed. 

    • Irrigation Timer:

      • Verify the timer's connection to its own water source. 

      • Consider using an Irrigation Control Box with Wifi Remote Sensing & Control for online monitoring and problem identification. Link ⇨

      • The Control box uses a Link-Tap timer to connect directly to a LAN cable for reliable information transmission. 

      • Double-check the batteries and set reminders for yearly replacements. 

      • Link Tap timers provide low battery notifications; replace batteries within a week of notification. 

      • Review the Link Tap app to ensure correct water timings. 

        • Most walls need watering every two hours, with durations from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. 

        • Start with 2 minutes every 2 hours and adjust accordingly. 

        • Utilize the Link Tap's percentage-based reduction feature for adjustments. 

        • Utilize weather adjustments to modify irrigation times based on temperature. 

          • Increase water times by 200% if the temperature is above 70 degrees. 

          • Reduce water times by 50% if the temperature is below 60 degrees. 

          • Do not use rain sensors, as the wall will still need water regardless of rain. 

      • If using a different timer (e.g., Rain Drip), ensure it's set correctly.  Monitor the wall closely for proper watering. 

    • Pressure Regulator:

      • Install a pressure regulator between the timer and the mesh filter, set to 25-30 PSI.  This prevents damage from high line pressure. 

    • Mesh Filter:

      • Inspect the mesh filter for clogs. 

      • Clean the filter with a small brush. 

      • Replace damaged filters. 

  • Lighting:

    • Confirm adequate lighting, as natural room lighting is often sufficient. 

    • Low light requires less irrigation, while bright sunlight necessitates more. 

    • The Link Tap timer can customize watering times based on sunlight exposure. 

    • Consider a new lighting system if existing lighting is inadequate. Link ⇨

  • Replanting:

    • Set up a table and purchase new plants. 

    • Replant the wall. 

  • Additional Monitoring:

    • Use a humidity Sensor to monitor moisture levels. Link ⇨

    • Insert the sensor into the pockets. 

    • Maintain humidity between 95-100%. 

    • The moisture sensor connects to Wi-Fi and provides alerts if humidity drops below 90%. 

    • Adjust alert settings to minimize unnecessary notifications.