Tips For Growing Plants Near Roads

This might be a somewhat strange concept, but landscaping alongside roads is ideal for connecting concrete roadways to nature and improving their environmental properties. Plants near the road absorb runoff water and minimize soil erosion, control flooding, and ensure cleaner water supplies.

During the winter, plants alongside roads can act as snow fences preventing snow from drifting into traffic. With increasing awareness about public and environmental health, the idea of growing plants near roads has become widely accepted.

Therefore, if you want to implement successful roadside landscaping, we have a couple of planting tips you might find helpful.

Landscaping Along Roads
Landscaping Along Roads

The landscaping along roads

As you travel across the highways, you can see a lot of plants worthy of admiration. Roadside flowers are primarily planted for environmental effect but also to improve the appearance of the roads. On the other hand, you may encounter many native plants that are not chosen for their appearance but for ease of maintenance, hardiness, and adaptability.

Additionally, perennial plants have a better chance of surviving near roads than they would near roadways, and they can be natural habitats for insects and animals.

How to grow plants near roads?

If you want to create a mailbox garden, or perhaps you want to add curb appeal near the roadside portion of your landscape, you need to consider a couple of conditions before growing parts near the road.

When you start this process, keep in mind that the site near the road will be generally unfriendly. The soil was disturbed during the construction, and it might not be hospitable for your plants. The wind is also one of the reasons why there is a lack of vegetation.

On top of that, plants are exposed to gas emissions and salty spray during winter. Soil near the roads might not be irrigated, so you must choose plants resistant to drought.

More often than not, you will find grass, shrubs, and trees along the roads because they are easy to maintain and don’t require a lot of money. For instance, it’s enough just to plant a tree and let it grow for years to come.

However, when the roadside includes your portion of the landscape, you might want to address topsoil. Keep in mind that it needs to be loosened and restored. If you aren’t particularly interested in this project, you might hire a landscape designer who isn’t only familiar with particular roadside plants and knows what condition affects different species.

Before you engage in this project, decide on the type of planting. Will it have irrigation? Does it require maintenance? How much money do you plan to spend? How are you going to control the weed? Will you implement fertilization? How will you solve drainage?

As you can see, there are many things to consider when it comes to garden roads and creating a roadside landscape. If you aren’t sure what to do, you can always ask the assistance of a landscape professional.

Common roadside plants

Dandelions
Dandelions

Dandelions

Start with easy ones! Even the majority of children know how to spot dandelions. These flowers are more than just a weed in your yard. They are actually quite healthy and edible, especially leaves and blooms.

Dame’s rocket

This is a widespread plant, but not many people know its name. Its blossoms are white and pink, and it grows in thick patches along the roads.

Queen Anne’s lace

This is a classy flower with an elegant name. Queen Anne’s lace grows tall, usually over knees height. The leaves are fatherly and resemble carrot tops.