KYTC crews set to begin roadside treatment for invasive plants and weeds

Drivers travelling along state roads should be on the lookout for crews treating vegetation.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews are getting ready to begin roadside treatments targeting invasive and harmful vegetation in order to prevent infrastructure damage and maintain roadway visibility.

According to the KYTC, the annual treatment minimizes erosion and damage to drainage systems while also protecting travelers by reducing unnatural roadside habitats that attract wildlife closer to traffic.

The KYTC is directed by state law to control several species of invasive plants and noxious weeds. Examples include spotted knapweed and canada thistle which can cause erosion by invading and destroying turf grass, invasive species such as kudzu which can smother native plants, and amur honeysuckle which can grow over 20 feet high and tends to attract white-tailed deer.

Kentuckians with private property adjacent to state-owned rights of way may request highway crews treat their property for state-targeted vegetation. Visit your KYTC district website for the application form.