| Enhancing Delaware Highways investigated vegetation models conceived to restore Delaware's roadside landscapes to reflect the regional flora. Vegetation models were evaluated for their aesthetic, environmental and economic impacts. Seventy-two pilot sites were established on highway and roadside medians; at city and community gateways; and along primary, secondary and tertiary roads. Plots were conceived to study vegetation strategies (installation and management); installation techniques; and management techniques. When establishing perennial forbs or warm season grasses from seed, the existing ground cover (cool season turf, in most cases) must be killed to get effective seed germination and plant establishment. Mixing seed with an organic medium (sawdust) and spreading that medium over the ground surface is an effective method of establishing perennial forbs and warm season grasses. Weed control and proper mowing are the primary issues in the maintenance of attractive roadside vegetation. In solid stands of warm season turf, selective broadleaf herbicides are effective in controlling broadleaf weeds and the results are uniform warm season turf masses. Spot spraying with a non-selective herbicide is necessary in planted shrub and tree beds and in areas released from mowing completely. It is critical to maintain a neat edge around planted beds and areas released from mowing.; Three surveys were conducted to assess Delawareans' perception of and response to various types of roadside vegetation. A focus group survey; a statewide survey (Delaware Speaks Out) conducted yearly by Delaware Cooperative Extension, which included a section on roadside vegetation; and a comprehensive mail survey sent to 4500 Delaware drivers. Based on public opinion measured in the Roadside Impressions Focus Group, the Delaware Department of Transportation should install roadside plantings with color, order and a background. Mowed turf was rated poorly for attractiveness, appropriateness for roadside planting and effectiveness at reducing highway monotony. This survey showed that the public, as represented by respondents, is less concerned with a well-maintained look than with color and order. The Comprehensive Mail Survey supports the conclusion that color is a desirable attribute for roadside vegetation. Intensively planted traffic islands were rated as the most attractive roadside scenes. The least preferred scene was the unmowed roadside edge. The green mowed turf infield received a moderately attractive rating of 6.9. However, respondents rated the unmowed roadside with a mowed edge almost as highly (6.8) as the green mowed turf infield. The contrast between Scene 1 and Scene 16 was not significant. DelDOT can reduce maintenance costs by mowing an edge in turf rights-of-way and allowing the rest of the right-of-way to grow tall. A majority of respondents to the "Delaware Speaks Out" and Comprehensive Mail surveys support the expenditure of money on roadside enhancement. |
