Roadside Vegetation Management

Green vegetation growing by a gravel road

Request a Session

This workshop is offered only by agency request. Contact Natalie Niskanen at niskanen@umn.edu to learn more or request a session. 

About the Workshop

This workshop outlines an integrated approach to managing roadsides. It looks at the needs of local communities and users; plant ecology and natural processes; design, construction, and maintenance considerations; monitoring and evaluation procedures; government statutes and regulations; and technology. 

The course uses the Best Practices Handbook for Roadside Vegetation Management as a resource, with an emphasis on erosion control and development of an integrated roadside vegetation management plan. Effective mowing and pruning techniques will also be covered, as well as the use of native grasses and biological weapons to combat noxious weeds.

Topics Covered

  • Environmental issues in roadside vegetation planning, including typography, soils, climate, and vegetation selection
  • Effective methods for control of leafy spurge and Canada thistle
  • Construction issues including topsoil preservation and placement, erosion control, and seeding and mulching practices
  • Maintenance concerns including weed and pest control, mowing, brush control, burning, washout repair, tree maintenance, seeding, and proper timing
  • Examples of best practices used by Minnesota cities and counties

Who Should Attend

Street or road superintendents, supervisors, engineers, and maintenance workers responsible for roadside vegetation maintenance and management. 

Credit

Sponsors

This workshop is presented by Minnesota LTAP at the Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota. Minnesota LTAP is sponsored by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This course is subsidized through funding from LRRB and FHWA.