Vegetation Management Program

Wilson River Loop Utility Debris

The Vegetation Management Program (VMP) has been developed to create a uniform practice for the maintenance of roadside vegetation.  The goal of VMP is to develop vegetation management strategies that will reduce maintenance activities through suitable low growth native plantings.  VMP aims to provide safety for the traveling public by maintaining road visibility, be a good steward of the environment, act as a good neighbor to all abutting property owners/residents adjacent to the road right-of-way, and properly maintain and preserve public facilities. 

No-Spray Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chemicals used in riparian areas?

As a rule, no.  This also includes skipping over culverts and such.  If it is determined that control is needed along road shoulders, or if state listed noxious weeds are in riparian areas, then only approved chemicals are used but no residual ones.  Application is done by hand depending on the situation.

Category: Vegetation Management Plan
What is a hazardous tree?

Any tree which obstructs sight distance at any point is removed.  Also, if a tree has excessive lean that may pose a hazard in the future, it will be removed.  We will work with the landowner where possible, but roadway safety is the main concern.

Category: Vegetation Management Plan
What type of chemicals are used?

Chemicals approved for use on water are sprayed on vegetation growing along road shoulders.  A residual chemical, approved for use up to the water's edge, is used to prevent plant re-growth during the growing season.  This chemical binds itself to the upper soil profile and does not travel.  Water approved chemicals are also used for broadleaf plants.

Category: Vegetation Management Plan
Why does not the county mow more rather than use chemicals on road shoulders?

Mowing cannot remove grass from pavement edge.  Also, mowing costs almost $700/day regardless of distance covered.

Category: Vegetation Management Plan
Why have trees and brush sometimes been removed from entire sections of the roadway?

Asphalt must stay dry or well drained to maintain integrity.  If it has been determined that shading vegetation keeps the roadway wet, which can allow ice build up, it will be removed.

Category: Vegetation Management Plan
Why is the chemical treatment of road shoulders important?

Grass rooting at the edge of pavement will result in the cracking of the road surface.  Also, sod buildup does not allow water to runoff road lending to further the  degradation of the roadway.

Category: Vegetation Management Plan
Why is the Vegetation Management Plan only a "guideline?"

Due to the constantly changing dynamics of vegetation management, this document must be flexible enough to adapt to any situation and be updated accordingly.

Category: Vegetation Management Plan
Why is there chemical overspray on the pavement?

The roadway is sensitive to small fractures on the outside edges.  Dust and debris that settles within these cracks provide a foothold for vegetation.  Treating this marginal area will help keep the roadway from cracking due to plant growth. 

Category: Vegetation Management Plan

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Order #09-025 (267 KB)
PDF icon Newsletter 04-24-08 (59 KB)
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