Landscape Program

Overview

Georgia highway beautification may be part of a number of Department programs. The Georgia DOT Landscape Requirements coordinates established safety standards with aesthetic and environmental considerations on the State rights of way.

Georgia DOT Maintenance reviews landscape plans for safety, appropriate plant material, and maintenance requirements. Preservation and enhancement using existing and native plant material is a major emphasis. Horizontal clearance minimums and clear sight distances are required. For safety reasons, planting large plants in the medians is discouraged.

Landscaping on State Right-of-Way

Guides & Permits

Landscape Requirements
Design Policy Manual - See Chapter 5: Roadside Safety & Horizontal Clearance
Special Encroachment (Access Management) Permits
Most requests to landscape areas that fall within the right of way adjacent to your home or business require a special enroachment permit which can be handled by the Georgia DOT District Access Management Supervisor. Visit the Special Encroachment webpage to view information.
Vegetation Management at Outdoor Advertising Signs Permits

Grants

Roadside Enhancement Programs

NOTE: District Roadside Enhancement Coordinators can answer questions about the Wildflower and Adopt-A-Highway programs.

Invasive Plants

The Georgia DOT reviews proposals for enhancement on the right of way to prevent the addition of invasive plant material. Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council maintains a list of plants with photos that cause environmental harm to the natural ecosystem.