Citation

Caylor P. Am. City Cty. 1998; 113(3): 17-18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Mowing is the standard method for eliminating weeds and woody brush from highway roadsides. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), however, has found herbicides to be a more effective solution. In 1997, IDOT began using Garlon 3A to take care of weeds and brush such as Canada thistle, musk thistle, teasel, willow, box elder, elm, and black locust, without disturbing sensitive ornamentals. Garlon 3A is not "soil active," meaning it does not seep into the soil, so the ornamentals do not absorb it. In areas without ornamentals, IDOT uses Tordon 101M. Spraying herbicides costs about $15 per acre, while mowing costs approximately $30 per acre. Moreover, the results have been better because herbicides are designed to be absorbed by the plant, thus killing it. Spraying is also safer for IDOT workers, since it does not have to be repeated like mowing and therefore reduces workers exposure to high-volume, high-speed traffic.