Roadside Vegetation

Vegetation in the Public Right-of-Way

Property owners are responsible for keeping vegetation in the public right-of-way trimmed so it does not block visibility or create hazards for travelers. Regular maintenance helps keep our streets safe for everyone.

Required Clearances

• Roadways: Maintain at least 14 feet of vertical clearance above the road.
• Sidewalks: Maintain at least 9 feet of vertical clearance above sidewalks.
• Road edges: Keep shrubs and other vegetation 2 feet back from the edge of the pavement.

Roadside Ditches

Please do not remove vegetation or use herbicides in roadside ditches. Plants in these areas help prevent erosion and naturally filter stormwater runoff.

County Maintenance

The County maintains some landscaping on newly constructed roads and may trim vegetation in certain locations when it becomes a safety concern.

Vegetation Around Streetlights

Clear, unobstructed streetlights are essential for visibility and public safety. Vegetation on or near your property should not block the light fixture or interfere with its operation.

Recommended Clearances

• Keep at least 10 feet of clearance around the entire streetlight, including the pole and supporting arm.
• Maintain a clear line of sight between the streetlight and the sidewalk or roadway.
• Trim any branches growing above the fixture, as they can damage the photoelectric control relay, the sensor that turns the light on and off.
• Streetlights typically illuminate about 50 feet in each direction along the roadway. Keeping these areas clear helps ensure the light can reach the ground effectively.

Regular pruning helps maintain bright, well-lit streets for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Current Project Locations

Brookwood Parkway - Airport Road to Huffman Street

Milepost 1.399 to 2.91

Cornell Road - Cornelius Pass Road to Brookwood Parkway

Milepost 7.147 to 8.967

Evergreen Parkway - 188th Avenue to Imbrie Drive

Milepost 0.126 to 2.176

Roadside Spraying

We apply herbicides in select roadside locations to manage vegetation that may block sight distance, affect drainage, or create safety issues for travelers.

Environmental protection is a priority. Spraying is limited to essential areas and follows all state and federal regulations.

We do not spray:

• Within 30 feet of rivers
• Within 250 feet of streams that support salmon or steelhead trout

To see which nearby roads are scheduled for spraying, visit our Road Maintenance Program.

How Spraying Works

• Spraying typically occurs in spring.
• Work is done at night to reduce exposure to the public.
• Computer‑assisted equipment ensures accurate, targeted application.
• All herbicide use follows our Integrated Vegetation Management Program (IVMP) and Best Management Practices for Routine Road Maintenance.

Products Used

• Pre-emergent: Esplanade 200SC (Indaziflam)
• Broad spectrum: Makaze (Glyphosate)
• Broadleaf: HighNoon (Aminopyralid, Florpyrauxifen-benzyl)
• Companion spray: Escort XP (Metsulfuron methyl)
• Drift control: Liberate (Lecithin)

No Spray Agreements

If you prefer to maintain roadside vegetation yourself, you may request a No Spray Agreement.

To participate:

• Submit the No Spray Agreement form through the Public Permitting and Services Portal.
• To request "No Spray" signs, call 503-846-7623 or email [email protected].