Fruitland Township

Road Right-of-Way

A typical rural road right-of-way is 66 ft wide, measuring 33 ft in each direction from the center line of the road. 

The road commission will clear brush that is located 15 feet off the traveled portion of the road and 15 feet above the road surface.   

FAQ’s

Why is it important to maintain the brush in the road right-of-way?
  • Improve road visibility for drivers
    • Trees, bushes and tall grass can block sightlines and cover road signs
  • Make room for plowed snow storage in the winter
  • Keep drainage ditches clear to prevent flooding
How does Muskegon County Road Commission maintain the road right-of-way?
  • Mowing
  • Brush Hogging
  • Tree Cutting
  • Brush Control Spraying
What is Brush Control Spraying?
  • The road commission sprays broadleaf that grows in the road right-of-way, such as oak/maple saplings, cattails, and bushes
  • Chemicals such as Garlon 3A, Escort XP, Surfactant and Drift Control are used for spraying
    • Most grass is resistant to the chemicals
Can I plant trees or flowers along the road?
  • Low growing vegetation is acceptable in the road right-of-way
  • All growth in the right-of-way must be kept below 42”
  • Milkweed can be planted in the final 3 feet of the right-of-way (the 3 ft furthest from the road)

How to Opt-Out of Brush Control Spraying:

  • Fill out the Brush Control No Spray Application  and return it to the Muskegon County Road Commission by email, mail or in-person.
    • Email: HCoverly@MuskegonCountyRoads.org
    • Fax: 231-788-3567
    • Mail: MUSKEGON COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION

7700 E Apple Avenue Muskegon, Michigan 49442

  • Place a two-sided “No Spray” sign at the each end of your property stating “Begin No Spray” and “End No Spray”
    • Signs can be picked up from Muskegon County Road Commission or you can purchase your own
  • Maintain the roadside area by the yearly cutting of all roadside weeds, brush and trimming low hanging tree limbs. The area to be maintained being a minimum distance of 15 ft off the traveled portion of the road and 15 ft above the road surface.

A few simple steps to help support pollinators in your area:

Busy As A Bee Flyer