The Science of Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM)

Instead of strictly adhering to one type of vegetation maintenance practice, such as routine mowing or broadcast use of herbicides, research has shown that a combination of techniques termed Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) is best for maintaining a plant community that is complementary to energy corridor needs and pollinator habitat.

Under an IVM program, the most appropriate management method is chosen and applied at the proper time to control the target problem “weed” plants and encourage preferred plant communities. The natural competition between various plants and the consumption of seeds by wildlife help to decrease problem species.

It is a cyclic process of continuous change that develops a healthy native plant community.