LANDSCAPE AND MAINTENANCE

Information here is based on feedback received from The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and city maintenance personnel.

Trees and Plantings

Trees and other plants in the median can cause concerns about low branches over the roadway that take out mirrors, antennas and light bars. In the autumn, debris from falling leaves requires street sweeping, and if sweeping does not happen a timely manner the result is clogged gutters, pipes, and catch basins.

When selecting trees, consider suitability for Utah’s environment, pruning needs, and ultimate maturation size. When considering landscaping rocks, keep in mind that small rocks can be difficult to contain within the median area, which can cause an additional maintenance issue.

Additionally, lane closures are often required for the safety of maintenance personnel when weeding and pruning. Consider this when deciding whether to landscape a median and which types of plantings to use. Many states recommend that raised medians NOT be landscaped on roadways with posted speeds of 45 mph or greater.

Drainage and Irrigation

Because landscaped medians require irrigation systems, while hardscaped medians do not, it is important that landscaped medians have proper drainage systems to prevent long-term pavement deterioration and damage. Involve maintenance personnel in the design process if at all possible.

Landscaping Maintenance Responsibility for UDOT Projects

As per UDOT Policy 08A2-05, whenever landscaping, sprinkler/drip irrigation systems or site amenities are installed on a UDOT right-of-way, it becomes the municipality’s responsibility to maintain these items in perpetuity and requires an agreement. If the municipality will not agree to maintain landscapes, sprinkler systems or other site amenities, the project will only receive baseline landscape treatments. For more information on UDOT aesthetics and landscaping for raised medians, view the UDOT Aesthetics Guide.