Freeway Embankment Erosion...

[wolverine]

Though technically not native to the Detroit area, prairie grasses can grow. Alot of cities are using that planted as a substitute for manicured grass. You never need to mow or irrigate it. While it's tall, it has an even monolithic cover. There was a golf course near where I grew up that used it extensively in the roughs and it looked beautiful during sunrises and sunsets.

I don't know what type of manicured grass they use on the embankments, but I agree it doesn't look all that attractive in winter or during August. It just seems in these times of cutting costs, they would replace it with something that requires no maintenance and no equipment.

Kind of interesting how landscape tastes change. I'm working on a large factory and office complex and they want lots of tall natural grasses surrounding the building, not because of maintenance but because they like the natural look of undisturbed land as viewed from the building.

[Gistok]

I don't know what type of manicured grass they use on the embankments, but I agree it doesn't look all that attractive in winter or during August. It just seems in these times of cutting costs, they would replace it with something that requires no maintenance and no equipment.

Unfortunately I do believe they use some kind of hearty grass... nothing exotic [[at least not on I-94). However with reduced cuttings... the grass can sometimes grow up to 10 inches long... and then when they do cut it... they mulch it. But long grass cut looks like hay that has been cut... not only is it unsightly to look at along the roadside... but also the upper hay-like layer leaves the grass underneath to bake in the summer sun... and then that dies off in favor of heartier crabgrass...