What method for maintaining ROWs utilizes tree growth regulators or herbicides?

The method that utilizes tree growth regulators or herbicides for maintaining rights-of-way (ROWs) is chemical maintenance. Chemical maintenance employs substances that can control or alter the growth of vegetation, making it effective for managing unwanted or overgrown plants in utility corridors. Tree growth regulators can be used to inhibit the growth of certain species, thereby reducing the frequency of trimming or removal. Herbicides are applied to eliminate or inhibit the growth of undesirable plants that may interfere with utility lines or create hazards.

This approach is particularly valuable because it can be less labor-intensive compared to physical methods, leading to long-term vegetation management without the need for frequent repeated interventions. In contrast, other maintenance methods rely on manual labor or environmental processes, which do not involve chemical treatments.