822.1 Vegetation Management for Major Roads

Mow all major roads within two weeks prior to Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day a minimum 15 ft. from the edge of the paved or aggregate shoulders or where the grass begins unless physically obstructed. A fall mowing of up to 30 ft. shall be completed every year. Minimum mowing height is 6 inches.

3 to 1 Slope

Consistency is expected on major corridors. Coordination of mowing within areas and between districts is needed to ensure this.

Slopes steeper than 1V:3H (3 to 1) and areas not required to be mowed should be planted to wildflowers and native grasses, encouraged to naturalize or landscaped.

Do not leave a narrow strip (less than 30 ft.) between the main roadway and outer roads. Areas between the main roadway and the outer roads 30 ft. wide or less should be mowed the entire width with each cycle. Areas wider than 30 ft. may be mowed 15 ft. in each direction each cycle.

An urban area is where the surrounding land is dominated by housing developments and commercial properties. There are no large gaps of areas without housing or commercial development. Each urban area should be evaluated to determine the extent of mowing needed. Urban areas may be mowed more often and wider but the intent is to reduce the total acres mowed and number of mowing cycles.

Community mowing may be done for special events, festivals and fairs. This mowing is not limited to one pass. All mowing must be part of the planning process to avoid unnecessary mowing.

PGRs may be used to reduce trimming around guardrails, guard cables, sign posts and sight distance areas. Selectively applying herbicides to control brush up to 50 ft. from the roadway is permitted.

An additional mowing cycle may be added and coordinated statewide if growing conditions require it.

Main Roadway

Within two weeks prior to Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day, mow all major roads up to 15 ft. from the edge of the paved or aggregate shoulders or where the grass begins unless physically obstructed. Beginning mid-September, mow all major roads up to 30 ft. from the edge of the paved or aggregate shoulders or where the grass begins unless physically obstructed. Selectively applying herbicides to control brush up to 50 ft. is permitted.

Medians

Medians narrower than 60 ft. shall be mowed entirely each mowing cycle. Medians wider than 60 ft. may be mowed 15 ft. in each direction and, if narrower than 100 ft., should be mowed entirely for the final mowing. Medians wider than 100 ft. should be mowed up to 30 ft. in each direction from the edge of the paved or aggregate shoulders or where the grass begins for the final mowing.

Major Roads - Medians Narrower than 60 Ft.

Major Roads - Medians Wider than 60 Ft.

Interchanges

Mowing interchanges requires a large resource commitment. Each interchange should be evaluated as to the extent of mowing needed. Interchanges on major roads shall be mowed 15 ft. from the edge of the paved or aggregate shoulders or where the grass begins unless physically obstructed, two weeks prior to Memorial Day, and mid-July and mid-September. Mowing may be done on the interior of interchanges, if necessary, where slopes are 1V:3H (3 to 1) or flatter.

Major Road Interchanges Evaluate each interchange to determine extent of mowing needed.