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Abstract:Katharina, A. M. Engelhardt orcid.org/0000-0002-9185-4292
Roadsides are managed as mowed turfgrass to prevent erosion, maintain visibility, provide a safety zone
for stopped vehicles, and improve aesthetics. Roadside vegetation often needs to be mowed several times
each growing season, and in addition to its cost mowing exposes workers to traffic and other hazards,
discharges tailpipe gases, and disturbs soil. This study explored the efficacy of using commerciallyavailable
grass species that may reduce maintenance costs, yet still provide economic and ecological
services such as fast establishment, erosion control, ecosystem benefits, and resilience. A literature review
of over 500 journal articles, white papers, reports, and fact sheets and discussions with turfgrass experts
produced a list of over 100 graminoid species. A trait-based approach was then used to select a subset of
species for evaluation. The final selection included 21 species and cultivars. Each species was given an
overall grade (A=Excellent, B=Good, C=Fair, D=Poor, and F=Very poor) reflecting six economic and
ecological services. Maryland's standard roadside seed tall fescue received a grade below the median grade.
Fine fescues ranked higher than tall fescue owing to lower stature and generally higher resilience. The
native grass species Sporobolus, side-oats grama, and purple lovegrass received excellent grades (A or A-)
and should be further studied as alternatives to tall fescue. Species that are not recommended for roadsides
include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, prairie junegrass, alkaligrass, and zoysia.
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