IRVM reminds citizens to be aware Iowa's roadside mowing laws. Iowa Code 314.17 (PDF) prohibits mowing of roadside vegetation on the rights-of-way or medians on any primary highway or secondary road prior to July 15th.
What You Can Do
- Before July 15, only mow roadsides as needed for safety, spot weed control, and removing competition for native prairie seedlings.
- Delay haying and mowing for brush control until after July 15.
- Delay mowing until after July 15 to promote game bird and songbird nesting habitat and reduce soil erosion from spring rains.
- To best help monarch butterflies, delay blanket mowing until after Oct. 1.
- If you wish to harvest hay on state roadsides, contact the Iowa DOT maintenance garage or contact listed on the Iowa DOT website
- Along county roadsides, contact the Hardin County roadside manager to learn more about Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management, which uses selective mowing and Iowa’s native plants in county roadsides.
Source: Tallgrass Prairie Center, University of Northern Iowa
Questions?
If you have questions about mowing or burning in the roadside, please contact Megan Di Cesare at 641-939-8263 or by email.