Vertical Greening Systems (VGS) in urban areas play a crucial role in urban climate adaptation, energy efficiency, and biodiversity, but their sustaining benefits depend on species-specific care and maintenance. This study focuses on ground- and planter-based VGS with climbing aids for woody, deciduous plants, introducing the concept of High-Performance Climbing Plants (HPCP): species with superior growth, resilience and greening efficiency. Tailored interventions from planting through preservation maintenance are essential to optimise Plant Coverage (PC) and Wall Leaf Area Index (WLAI), enabling effective cooling and bioshading that directly impact these ecosystem services. Maintenance strategies were systematically developed, tested, and demonstrated under real-site conditions, integrating species selection, structural design, plant training, and pruning techniques. Practical recommendations and checklists, based on national and international guidelines, support the sustainable management of VGS. The study underscores the link between maintenance quality and Green Infrastructure (GI) performance, providing a practical framework for building owners, planners, and facility managers to maximise environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits.
