Key points for the later maintenance of 3D artificial vertical gardens

The later maintenance of vertical gardens needs to take into account plant health, structural safety and landscape effect. Targeted strategies should be formulated based on the particularity of three-dimensional planting (such as uneven irrigation, thin substrate layer and large differences in light). The following analysis is conducted from five dimensions: plant care, irrigation management, substrate maintenance, structural inspection, and pest and disease control:

First, plant care: Dynamic adjustment and precise intervention

Prune and thin out branches regularly

Pruning frequency: Pruning should be carried out once a month or once a quarter depending on the growth rate of the plants. Fast-growing plants (such as pothos and spider plants) need to be pruned monthly to keep the plant shape compact. Slow-growing plants (such as succulents and ferns) can be adjusted once every quarter.

Pruning method: Remove dead branches, diseased leaves and overly dense branches to promote ventilation and light penetration. In a vertical garden, it is necessary to focus on pruning the branches that grow outward or downward to avoid blocking the plants below.

Plant rotation and replanting

Seasonal adjustments: In spring, replant cold-resistant flowers (such as pansies and pansies); in summer, replace them with heat-tolerant plants (such as sunflowers and zinnias); and in autumn, increase the number of foliage plants (such as coleus and heuchia).

Disposal of dead plants: Once dead plants are found, they should be removed immediately and replanted with plants of the same variety or similar habits to prevent exposure of the substrate or the spread of pests and diseases.

Lighting and temperature control

Light optimization: At noon in summer, direct strong light can be reduced by setting up shade nets or moving planting modules. In winter, the Angle of the sunshade net needs to be adjusted to increase the duration of light exposure.

Extreme weather response: Increase irrigation frequency when the temperature is high, and cover with cold-proof cloth or move indoors when the temperature is low (for movable modules).

Second, irrigation management: Precise water supply and water-saving strategies

Inspection of the irrigation system

Dripper and pipe maintenance: Check weekly whether the drip irrigation pipes are clogged and whether the water output from the drippers is uniform. When blockage is found, a fine needle can be used to clear it or the dripper can be replaced.

Water pump and water storage tank: Check the operating status of the water pump every month to ensure that there is no accumulation of impurities in the water storage tank. In winter, the water storage tank should be drained to prevent it from cracking due to freezing.

Adjustment of irrigation frequency and water volume

Seasonal adjustment: Irrigate 1-2 times a day in summer, each time for 5-10 minutes. Reduce to 2 to 3 times a week in winter, each time for 3 to 5 minutes.

Differences in plant demand: Water-loving plants (such as ferns and turtle-back bamboo) can increase irrigation, while drought-tolerant plants (such as succulents and cacti) can reduce water supply.

Rainwater collection and reuse

Maintenance of rainwater collection system: Regularly clear fallen leaves and debris from the rainwater collection tank to ensure that rainwater can flow smoothly into the storage tank.

Water quality testing: If rainwater is used for irrigation, the pH value and EC value should be tested once every quarter to prevent abnormal plant growth due to water quality issues.

Third, substrate maintenance: Continuous guarantee of air permeability and fertility

Matrix detection and supplementation

Detection of EC value and pH value: The EC value and pH value of the substrate are measured every quarter using a portable detector. When the EC value is too high (>2.5), it needs to be diluted with irrigation water. When the pH value deviates from the target range (5.5-6.5), it needs to be adjusted.

Nutrient supplementation: Apply slow-release fertilizer or well-rotted compost every six months to ensure a continuous supply of nutrients.

Maintenance of substrate porosity and air permeability

Loosening operation: Use a small shovel or rake to gently loosen the surface of the substrate every quarter to prevent compaction. When loosening the soil, be careful not to damage the plant roots.

Drainage layer inspection: Check the bottom drainage layer for blockage once a year. Replace the ceramsite or gravel if necessary.

Substrate replacement

Replacement cycle: The substrate should be completely replaced after 2 to 3 years of use to prevent salt accumulation or organic matter decomposition due to long-term irrigation.

Replacement method: Carefully separate the old substrate from the plant roots, retain the healthy roots and prune the rotten parts, and then refill with the improved substrate.

Fourth, structural inspection: Dual guarantee of safety and stability

Regular inspection of the supporting structure

Metal frame: Inspect the welding points and screw connections of the metal frame every six months. If rust or looseness is found, remove the rust, reinforce or replace it in time.

Wooden keel: Inspect the decay of the wooden keel annually. When cracks or insect infestation are found, replace the wood or apply preservatives.

Fixed inspection of planting containers

Hooks and screws: Check the hooks and screws of the planting containers once a month to ensure they are not loose, to prevent the plants or substrates from falling due to container detachment.

Container damage: When a container is found to be cracked or deformed, it should be replaced immediately to prevent the leakage of the substrate or the loss of moisture.

Inspection of the protective layer

Waterproof membrane: Check the integrity of the waterproof membrane once a year. If any damage or aging is found, it needs to be re-laid.

Sunshade nets and windbreak nets: Check the firmness of sunshade nets and windbreak nets every quarter. Reinforce or replace them if necessary.

Fifth, pest and disease control: Prevention first and comprehensive management

Regular inspection and early detection

Inspection frequency: Inspect the plant leaves, stems and substrate surfaces once a week. When pests or diseases are found, they should be isolated and dealt with immediately.

Disease identification: Focus on observing whether the leaves have spots, yellowing or mold, and whether the stems have rot or wormholes.

Biological control and physical isolation

Biological control: Introduce natural enemy insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pests like aphids and red spiders; Use neem oil or garlic extract to prevent and control fungal diseases.

Physical isolation: During the high-incidence period of pests and diseases, cover the plants with insect-proof nets to reduce the invasion of pests.

The cautious use of chemical control

Low-toxicity pesticides: If chemical pesticides must be used, low-toxicity and low-residue varieties should be selected, and they should be diluted and sprayed strictly in accordance with the instructions.

Spraying time: Avoid spraying pesticides at high temperatures or at noon to prevent evaporation of the pesticide solution or scorching of plants.

Sixth, maintain tools and record management

Tool preparation

Basic tools: scissors, shovels, rakes, detectors, spray bottles, etc.

Safety tools: gloves, goggles, anti-slip shoes, etc., to ensure personal safety during the maintenance process.

Maintenance record

Record contents: including pruning time, irrigation volume, types and amounts of fertilizers, occurrence of pests and diseases, etc.

Recording method: Paper notebooks or electronic spreadsheets can be used for recording, which is convenient for subsequent analysis and adjustment of maintenance strategies.

Seventh, Common Problems and Emergency Response

Substrate water accumulation

Reason: Blockage of the drainage layer or excessive irrigation.

Treatment: Clear the drainage layer, reduce the irrigation volume, and replace the substrate if necessary.

Plants are wilting.

Reasons: Lack of water, root rot or pests and diseases.

Treatment: Check the moisture of the substrate. If there is a shortage of water, increase irrigation. If the root system is rotten, prune the root system and replace the substrate. If there are pests or diseases, they should be isolated and dealt with.

Structural inclination

Reason: The supporting structure is loose or the substrate is overweight.

Treatment: Reinforce the supporting structure, reduce the thickness of the substrate or replace it with a lightweight substrate.

Through the above maintenance points, 3D artificial vertical gardens can achieve long-term healthy growth, structural stability and continuous landscape optimization, while reducing maintenance costs and risks. During the maintenance process, dynamic adjustment, precise intervention and prevention should be emphasized as the main focus to ensure that the vertical garden becomes an ecological highlight in the city.