NCDOT's Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management

NCDOT has developed a system for coordinating the management of roadside vegetation to maximize the effectiveness of both operations while increasing cycle times between mowing operations.

The Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) is a decision-making and quality management process for maintaining roadside vegetation that integrates cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical pest control methods to economically manage roadsides for safety plus environmental and visual quality.

In developing the IRVM system the following factors are also considered:

• needs of local communities and highway users
• knowledge of plant ecology processes
• design, construction, and maintenance considerations
• monitoring and evaluation procedures
• government statutes and regulations
• technology

Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM)is a spin-off of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concept used in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a term used to describe a system of managing pests whereby all possible methods of reducing pests are combined (integrated) to maintain (manage) pest levels below economically damaging levels. IPM employs proven practical and least costly methods in a plan designed to exclude pests from the management unit.


IVRM is used to manage vegetation by simply applying logical information, communication, technology, planning and research.

An effective IRVM program improves safety for the public and employees, satisfies long-range economic goals, maintains or improves quality, provides aesthetically pleasing facilities, and improves public relations. The highest priority for NCDOT employees is supplying safe transportation corridors with hazard- free safety clear zones, low growing vegetation in the operational zone and open sight distances.

Those involved with the Integrated Vegetation Management Project (IVMP) in Australia are looking to develop a model spcifically suited to Australia's conditions. We welcome your thoughts on the subject and invite you to visit the IVMP website for further information.