Jackson County's vegetation management program
controls roadside vegetation using a variety of methods.
Maintenance includes control of grasses, shrubs and trees on county-owned properties, and county rights-of-way.
Uncontrolled vegetation has the potential to limit visibility
at intersections, driveways, and curves; obstruct traffic signs; and
account for excessive accumulations of ice, snow, water, and
debris on the road. It may also interfere with the safe movement
of tall vehicles or present a hazard to a driver that runs off the
In an effort to assure efficient, effective, and environmentally
responsible methods of vegetation management, Jackson
County follows a planned approach using integrated roadside
vegetation management practices. These practices are based on
sound ecological principles and are responsive to the current
regulations and recommendations from the state and other stakeholders.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What methods are used to manage vegetation?
Grading of shoulders, flail mowing of brush, cattails
and grasses, mechanical ditching, manual brushing, and chemical
controls are all used to control the growth of problem vegetation.
Who applies the herbicides?
Herbicides are only applied by trained and state-licensed
technicians who use the utmost care when applying
chemicals. For example, they alternate herbicides so plants don't
develop a tolerance, which means lower application rates can be
used. They also use herbicides with short residual activity. Areas
where grasses are beneficial are treated with "selective"
herbicides that leave the grasses unaffected.
Even so, what if I don't want herbicides sprayed
near my property?
You may sign a "No Spray" agreement. This
agreement requires you to control the vegetation to county
standards on the county right-of-way in front of your property.
However, the county may resume control if you fail to meet the
standards. Call Jackson County Roads for an
application at (541) 774-8184.
What if I don't want the county cutting or pruning
trees or shrubs on the right-of-way in front of my
Roads is legally
required to give a property owner 30 days written notice when the
county wants to remove or alter any "marketable" tree or
"ornamental" shrub that is causing a problem. The property owner
can then obtain a permit from Roads to do the
work him or herself. If the work isn't done within 30 days, the
county is obligated to do it.
If the county removes a tree, it may be retained to defray
the cost of its removal. If it's a "firewood" type tree, not otherwise
ornamental or marketable, the 30-day notice doesn't apply. The
county in this case may remove or prune the tree and give the wood
to the property owner. The county may remove or alter any tree or
shrub on the right-of-way without notice if it's determined that a
hazard exists because of its condition or location. Don't forget, you
must get a permit called a 'special permit' to work within the right-of-way for this purpose or you may receive
Who decides if a tree or shrub is "marketable",
"firewood," or "ornamental"?
The Road's Director or their designee.
What if I don't agree that the tree has to be
removed or altered?
You may appeal to the County Board of
Commissioners within the 30-day time limit.
What training do the people pruning trees and
shrubs for the County receive?
They attend an annual workshop presented by the
Oregon State University Extension Service and/or local
I'd just like to plant some shrubs and ornamental
trees in front of my place to enhance my property.
That may be possible even if your work is in the right-of-
way. Apply for an encroachment permit from Roads and we will review your plan. It's possible that your
request can be conditionally approved.
Permit fees apply and are referenced via the preceding link.
Who does the cut down wood belong to?
Most of the time, the cut wood belongs to the property owner who fronts the road in the area the tree was cut. Because the majority of county roads are constructed on easements, this general rule applies even when the tree was considered to be in the right-of-way. Typically, only when the property owner declines the wood will it be available to others.