MOWING PRACTICES Where, When, Why, and How

Grass Type Perennial – vegetative reproduction through rhizomes, stolons, and tillering Annual – weedy grasses – cheatgrass, cereal rye Introduced species – good germination, and plant vigor, able to withstand mowing Native species – slower germination, not as competitive, lower growing, does not like mowing Cool season – active growth in spring and fall – e.g. Crested Wheat, Intermediate Wheat, Sheep Fescue Warm season- summer growth period – e.g. Inland Salt Grass, Sand Dropseed, Alkali Sacaton

WHY MOW Safety- Sight Distance Prevent build up of wind blown debris Mow around signs and guardrail Public pressure IRVM – Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management –weed control Fire suppression

Mowing For Weed Control Works best to control annual and biennial weed Timing is critical – mow when weeds are flowering. Mowing to late will just spread seeds Mowing perennial weeds - defoliation interferes with production of stored carbohydrates and eventually depletes reserves and weakens plant, reducing competitive ability

When to Mow Anytime for safety issues Timing for weed control Do not mow immediately after herbicide application When grass is taller than 14” When desirable grasses are dormant : for cool season grasses July, August After seed head formation-helps to spread seeds Do not mow when ground is to wet

Mowing Height Standard No shorter than 6 inches Scalping grasses is harmful to the grass plants Can cause damage to basal meristem Defoliation interferes with the plants ability to produce its own food Decreases foliar shading of soil

How to Mow Mowing Height – 6 in. Keep blades sharp Inspect area to be mowed for debris, and potential projectiles Drive slowly When moving mowers clean of deck and tractor so weed seed is not spread Do not tear up grass stands with tires or mower decks

Where to Mow Intersections for sight distance Shoulders –Safety strips Medians Do not mow slopes steeper than 3:1 Do not mow into natural vegetation areas boarding contour zones Behind guardrail

NO MOW / REDUCED MOW

What is Reduced Mowing? Allows mowing only in safety sensitive areas- e.g. strip and median mowing, sight distance concerns, pavement preservation Allows mowing for noxious weed control incorporates environmental stewardship into roadside maintenance Allows for a natural growth of roadside vegetation through a natural succession to a stable ecosystem

Benefits Of Reduced Mowing Encourages the return of native grasses and wildflowers Creates a natural ecosystem Has a more natural look Offers habitat for wildlife Improves plant health and plant competition Fewer weeds = less herbicides = saved $$$$$ Reduced mowing = saved $$$$$

Statewide Mowing Budget $792,460 How a reduced mow program would save money, for example: Reduce mowing by 30 % = $237,738 Reduce mowing by 50% = $396,230

Statewide Herbicide Budget $1,021,150 With reduced mowing, if herbicide usage could be reduced by, for example: 20% = $204,230 savings 30% = $306,345 savings

KNOW BEFORE YOU MOW!

CHEMICAL MOWING

Plant Growth Regulators(PGR) Seed Head Suppression

Plateau Herbicide

Herbicides,Rates and Species Plateau 10 to 12 oz with MSO on Intermediate Wheat grass Plateau 6 to 8 oz with MSO on Crested Wheat grass Campaign Herbicide Oust Herbicide

Advantages of Chemical Mowing Costs less than mechanical mowing Quicker than mechanical mowing Works in hard to mow areas, around delineators,signs, guardrails. Unsafe areas, no shoulder

Disadvantages of Chemical Mowing Generally takes out all broadleaf plants Can leave brown or dead tops of plants

DO IT WRONG

ROADSIDES FOR WILDLIFE

Roadside Cover