If you run a highway department, mowing the shoulders of your roads isn’t just about keeping things looking tidy, though that’s a nice side benefit. Regular shoulder mowing plays a critical role in both road safety and environmental responsibility. Let’s break it down.

1. Sight Distance = Safe Driving

One of the biggest reasons to keep those shoulders trimmed is sight distance. Overgrown grass, weeds, and brush can block a driver’s view of oncoming traffic, intersections, pedestrians, wildlife, and road signs.

When visibility is reduced, the chances of accidents go up. Mowing keeps lines of sight clear, giving drivers time to react, whether it’s to a stop sign they might otherwise miss or a deer about to cross the road.

For your department, this is a simple way to help prevent crashes and liability headaches down the road.

2. Controlling Noxious Weeds

Another reason to stay on top of shoulder mowing: noxious vegetation. Many states and counties have laws requiring municipalities to control invasive and harmful plant species like poison ivy, knotweed, or giant hogweed.

If left unchecked, these plants can spread rapidly, crowding out native plants, damaging infrastructure, and posing risks to public health. In some cases, municipalities can even face fines for not keeping them in check.

Routine mowing is one of the easiest and most cost-effective tools to help keep noxious weeds under control, especially when paired with targeted herbicide programs.

3. Bonus: Drainage and Road Preservation

There’s a third benefit that often gets overlooked: good drainage. When shoulders get overgrown, water can’t drain properly away from the road surface. This can lead to shoulder erosion, potholes, and premature road wear.

Keeping the grass and brush down ensures water flows where it’s supposed to, helping preserve your road investment.

In short, shoulder mowing isn’t just a cosmetic task. It’s an important part of maintaining safe, passable roads and staying in compliance with environmental obligations.

By putting a regular mowing program on your seasonal calendar, your department can help drivers stay safe, keep noxious weeds at bay, and protect your roadways for the long haul.

Sometimes the simplest tools, like a well-maintained mower, can make the biggest difference.