Tall grass may seem like a small problem, but Dallas County spends thousands of dollars maintaining roadways each year.

The county continuously mows roadside grass until winter begins, resulting in hundreds of man hours.

The main culprit behind multiple mowing trips is Johnson Grass. The grass is often considered a weed. It spreads quickly and takes over roadsides with ease.

The grass was unusually problematic this year with above-average summer rainfall.

Recently, the county began investigating how to mitigate the cost of maintaining the county roadways. The county engineer’s office already purchased an herbicide spraying truck and is looking to hire Roadside Inc., a vegetation management agency, to teach employees how to properly administer herbicide.

Reducing expenses is always a good idea, but the reality is that initial costs of implementing an herbicide spraying program will likely exceed current expenses. County engineer Coosa Jones said the herbicide chemicals will be costly. A contract with a vegetation management agency would only increase costs.

But doing it right is important.

Jones said the agency would assist employees with spray, teach them proper methods and advise the county of appropriate herbicides. Because the county hasn’t sprayed with herbicides previously, getting help is a sound decision.

Initial costs may be greater, but ultimately, we think the county will develop an efficient program that reduces dangers to motorists and improves the look of roadsides.