KDOT maintains over 150,000 acres of highway right-of-way, including mowing, brush control, and land maintenance. This land includes highway medians, interchanges, and areas near residential and commercial properties. KDOT collaborates with the Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Natural Resource Conservation Services, and conservation groups to create an effective roadside management program.

Some of the major benefits include:

• Fewer accidents involving KDOT mowers on dangerous slopes.
• Cost savings due to reduced mowing. 
• Improved roadside appearance.
• Reduced erosion of roadsides.
• Control of unwanted vegetation growth. 
• Habitat for small wildlife.
• KDOT spends approximately $6.7 million annually on mowing for safety, vegetation control, improved drainage, and aesthetic purposes.

Mowing in Undeveloped Areas

To save time and money, KDOT crews mow less frequently in undeveloped areas and on steep slopes. This reduces the danger to employees and the need for extra maintenance due to turf damage from sliding equipment. Mowers are generally set for a 6-inch cut for the shoulder strip, and highway right-of-way in undeveloped areas is mowed approximately 15 feet from the pavement edge. Areas beyond this are not mowed between April 15th and October 1st to protect ground-nesting wildlife and support native grasses and wildflowers. These areas are mowed on a four-year cycle with an 8-inch cut, but usually not both sides of the road in the same year. Reducing mowing and increasing cutting height strengthens the sod and provides healthier turf. 

Property Adjacent to the Highway

Unmown areas for wildflower growth and wildlife cover may concern adjacent landowners. KDOT keeps these areas free of unwanted vegetation, and landowners can mow the right-of-way in front of their property to match their yard maintenance. They should use caution near the highway edge for safety. Landscape improvements on highway right-of-way require a permit from a local KDOT office.

Mowing for Visibility

Mowing is done at specific times and as needed for motorist safety, especially around intersections, road signs, and curves. 

Mowing in Developed Areas

Grass in developed areas is mowed regularly to maintain a neat appearance. KDOT uses herbicides to control noxious weeds and unwanted vegetation in areas that cannot be safely mowed.

Wildflowers and Native Grasses

Wildflowers and native grasses thrive on many Kansas roadways, especially on steep slopes, rocky areas, and large meadow-like areas where mowing is unnecessary. They enhance the view, add variety, and create "Kansas Character." Once established, they are also cost-effective to maintain. KDOT's wildflower signs highlight these areas and communicate special mowing policies. 

Everyone Benefits

KDOT’s roadside management program saves time and money for state highways and bridges. Farmers and adjacent landowners can harvest hay from roadsides at no cost by submitting a permit application to their local KDOT office. Permits are valid for one year or a specific haying season, with adjacent landowners given priority if they apply by March 31.

Resources

• Managing Kansas' Roadsides Brochure
• Permits

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