I.R.V.M.-Mowing

Roadside Mowing is a valuable tool used by I.R.V.M. Mowing helps us to improve the recovery time drivers have, increases visibility and prevents brush and weeds from taking over the roads.

Mowing is a generally accepted practice in the roadsides. In Mahaska County we mow shoulders three times in a given year. Roadsides are mowed once in the growing season, once in the late summer and once in the fall before snow flies to prevent drifting.

Each county treats mowing differently, some counties avoid the hours and equipment cost necessary to conduct full-out roadside mowing. Still others use it quite heavily. Often, it is a situation specific practice.

With Mahaska County I.R.V.M., we strive for balance. Mowing is important, but not the most important, just another link in the chain. It has been integrated into our arsenal against roadside pests.

Beginning in spring of 2002 we will be attempting to put our paved county roads on a two-year rotational mowing plan. They will be mowed fence to pavement (as safety permits) and half of our pavements will be done one year and the other half will be done the next.

By doing half of the pavements per year, we still allow the growth of grasses and plants. This allows food and shelter for roadside residents. It also decreases the chance of weed invasion. Roadsides that are mowed religiously loose vigor and are weakened. This increases the chance of being invaded by weeds.

We feel that it is a well-thought and well balanced plan that will assist us in our goal towards better and safer roadsides. It is like all of our other methods…not a, “cure-all”, but a valuable roadside vegetation management tool.

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