Case Study | Installing & Maintaining a 2,000 Plant Living Wall

Living walls transform interior spaces by bringing nature indoors. In early 2023, we completed the installation of a large-scale living wall in the City of Tampa Municipal Center. Covering 238 square feet and featuring over 2,000 living plants, the installation creates a vibrant natural focal point while demonstrating the long-term viability of modular green wall systems.

A Living Feature Designed for the Space

This living wall was designed to integrate seamlessly with the architecture of the building. Using GrowUp’s modular tray system, the installation follows the wall as it wraps around a doorway, creating a dynamic, continuous green feature rather than a flat installation.

The wall is filled with lush, bright green foliage that adds energy and movement to the space. With around 2,000 plants covering 238 square feet, the installation delivers a strong visual impact while creating a welcoming and positive indoor environment for employees and visitors alike.

The modular design also allows flexibility in plant placement and future maintenance, making it ideal for complex interior layouts.

Installation Process

The installation took place at the beginning of 2023 using the GrowUp Tray System with 4-inch living plants. A combination of 4-pot, 2-pot, and 1-pot trays was used to allow the design to adapt around architectural features such as the doorway.

To support the health of the plants and simplify ongoing care, the system was connected directly to the building’s water supply. An integrated irrigation system delivers water throughout the wall, while a gutter installed along the bottom captures excess water and drains it safely into the building’s drainage system.

The installation also includes signage displaying the City of Tampa logo, mounted on standoffs in front of the living wall to maintain visibility while preserving the natural aesthetic of the greenery.

Due to the scale of the installation, a scissor lift was used to ensure safe and efficient access to the upper sections of the wall during installation.

          GrowUp Greenwalls Tray System 

Ongoing Maintenance

Living walls require regular care to keep plants healthy and looking their best. This installation is maintained once a month by GrowUp’s trusted maintenance partners at Frida’s.

Each maintenance visit takes approximately four hours and includes pruning, plant health checks, irrigation inspection, and general upkeep. A scissor lift is used during maintenance to safely access the upper areas of the wall.

Because the lower section of the wall is located in a high-traffic area, some plants may occasionally be damaged if bumped by visitors. During maintenance visits, up to 20 plants are replaced if needed to keep the wall looking full and vibrant.

The maintenance photos shown here were taken in December 2025, nearly three years after the original installation, demonstrating how regular care keeps the living wall thriving over time. 

A Long-Term Living Installation

Large-scale green walls are not just design features; they are living systems that evolve and grow over time. With proper installation and consistent professional maintenance, living walls can remain healthy, vibrant, and impactful for years.

This City of Tampa installation showcases how a thoughtfully designed modular system, integrated irrigation, and ongoing care can sustain a living wall with thousands of plants while continuing to enhance the interior environment.

Have a living wall project in mind? Request more info.