Seeds that are native to a local environment tend to be more resilient and require less maintenance than other seed varieties when used in roadside rights of way. Once established, native plantings can also help to reduce erosion and provide pollinator habitats.
To update its recommended practices for seeding the state’s roadside areas, the Illinois Department of Transportation evaluated a variety of seed mixes for more than a year after planting, and surveyed other Midwestern states’ best practices for selecting and managing vegetation in roadside areas.
Read the final report: Illinois Department of Transportation’s Seeding Standards and Best Management Practices, May 2025.
Image source: Illinois Department of Transportation