What is often the best control for undesirable vegetation on the right of way?

The best control for undesirable vegetation on the right of way is grasses. Grasses are effective because they establish a dense growth that can outcompete many undesirable plants. This competitive growth can shade out weeds and other unwanted species by limiting their access to sunlight and resources. Additionally, grasses tend to be more adaptive to varying soil and weather conditions, making them suitable for diverse environments found along rights of way. Their root systems also help stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and further promoting the overall health of the area.

While wildflowers, shrubs, and ferns have their own benefits in certain landscapes, they may not provide the same level of competitive advantage over unwanted plants that grasses do. Wildflowers can attract beneficial pollinators but may not suppress weeds effectively. Shrubs can provide habitat and erosion control but often take longer to establish, and fern growth can be limited in areas with high foot or vehicle traffic, making them less suitable for the specific needs of controlling undesirable vegetation in right of way areas.