The main reason is probably because it is a junction block between grass and dirt.

It is the middle block here:

Here placed on the ground next to each other, and using 6-1-1 for junctions:

Before you say "it is in the wrong direction", when using Mixmapping, the dirt is not removed and "replaced by grass" either (I tried this before posting).
Besides this, apparently it cannot be placed at all on top of dirt hills.


quick sketch without road blocks:
