Click on the questions below for the answers.
Why is the Vegetation
Management Plan only a "guideline?"
What type of chemicals are used?
Are chemicals used in riparian areas?
Why is the chemical treatment of road shoulders important?
What is a hazardous tree?
Why have trees and brush sometimes been removed from entire
sections of the roadway?
Why does not the county mow more rather than use chemicals on road
shoulders?
Why is there chemical overspray
on the pavement?
QUESTION: Why is the Vegetation Management Plan only a "guideline?"
ANSWER: Due to the constantly changing dynamics of vegetation management, this document must be flexible enough to adapt to any situation and be updated accordingly. Top of the page.
QUESTION: What type of chemicals are used?
ANSWER: 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. Top of the page.
QUESTION: Are chemicals used in riparian areas?
ANSWER: 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. Top of the page.
QUESTION: Why is the chemical treatment of road shoulders important?
ANSWER: 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. Top of the page.
QUESTION: What is a hazardous tree?
ANSWER: 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. Top of the page.
QUESTION: Why have trees and brush sometimes been removed from entire sections of the roadway?
ANSWER: 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. Top of the page.
QUESTION: Why does not the county mow more rather than use chemicals on road shoulders?
ANSWER: Mowing cannot remove grass from pavement edge. Also, mowing costs almost $700/day regardless of distance covered. Top of the page.
QUESTION: Why is there chemical overspray on the pavement?
ANSWER: 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. Top of the page.
Last updated: Thursday, January 30, 2020 04:46 PM