What is important to consider regarding the height of evergreens when applying herbicides along rights of way?

When considering the height of evergreens when applying herbicides along rights of way, the guideline that they must be less than three feet is important for several reasons.

Firstly, maintaining evergreens at a shorter height, ideally below three feet, facilitates better control over the application of herbicides. This height ensures that the treatment effectively targets the plants intended for management without unintentionally affecting neighboring vegetation or the surrounding ecosystem.

Additionally, shorter evergreens are generally easier to manage and monitor for regrowth or damage after herbicide application. It allows for more effective treatment strategies and keeps the maintenance of the right of way safer and more efficient.

This approach also helps mitigate potential environmental impacts, as taller vegetation may result in drift or runoff of herbicides, posing risks to non-target plant species and wildlife in the area. Keeping evergreens shorter increases the precision of herbicide applications, contributing to more sustainable land management practices along rights of way.