Article by: Nia Bowers
Publication: USA Today
Across America’s cities, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking place: rooftops are being turned into gardens, playgrounds, and peaceful green sanctuaries. As municipalities adapt to the pressures of climate change, density, and livability, urban landscape design has become a top priority. Leading the charge in New York City is Tier II Landscape Design, a firm pioneering the future of rooftop landscaping with a blend of innovation, technical mastery, and community-focused design.
Rooftop Landscaping as a Pillar of Sustainable Cities
City governments and developers alike are rethinking how to use space. Rooftops—once ignored or treated as mechanical zones—are now vital platforms for green infrastructure. These spaces help reduce the urban heat island effect, absorb stormwater, and introduce biodiversity into concrete jungles. More than a sustainability effort, rooftop landscaping represents a shift in how cities are imagined.
Tier II Landscape Design is deeply aligned with this movement. From the earliest stages of design, the firm integrates climate-conscious practices with elevated aesthetics. Their projects don’t just meet environmental codes—they exceed them, often incorporating native species, green roofs, solar orientation planning, and long-lasting sustainable materials.
