The challenges of overgrown trees causing  problems to infrastructures, unwanted plant cover competing for plant growth resources, and invading actions of vegetation spurs the need for proper management.

 

The scope of vegetation management spans across several industries where actions have been taken to form, control and maintain the natural beauty of vegetation without negatively affecting the living and working spaces used by humans. Over time, traditional strategies have evolved as vegetation managers and the needs they serve continue to seek new, more effective and more efficient ways to deliver desired results. Admittedly, there are currently still challenges that humans, ATVs and trucks are ill-equipped to address. 

This is where aerial drone solutions come into play. Drone technology (RPAAS)  is becoming a common tool across several diverse industries, and proves to be an ideal upgrade in vegetation management.

Challenges in Vegetation Management

With the increasing active execution of vegetation management, companies and vegetation managers have highlighted their fair share of limitations and hassles. These challenges include;

Low Accuracy/Efficiency

Without a high level of accuracy and efficiency, time and resources are quickly wasted. One common failure is human error leading to spillage as they try to navigate tricky (or treacherous) terrain. As well, humans are not capable of measuring or distributing as accurately as machines, especially small machines capable of flight. The result is uneven distribution of materials, wasted time and flat out inability to measure what went where. 

Lack of Data

Another  inefficiency is the absence of quality data. Data should guide and initiate a plan designed to meet specific vegetation management needs in a specific and unique area. Without data, everything is a best-guess.  

As well, tracking data on the ATVs, tractors and trucks being used can help predict and avoid breakdowns. Unfortunately, this type of foresight isn’t available for most traditional vegetation management equipment. 

Safety

The old model of vegetation management involves a significant measure of human contact with vegetation, infrastructures, and possible solution measures (e.g., chemicals to kill off unwanted vegetation). As a result, workers are exposed to a high risk of danger (sometimes carrying it on their backs) and accidents are quite common.

Even more dangerous, when clearing out vegetation invading power lines the threat of fire, electrocution or falling is significant, with accidents being far too common. 

Accessibility

It’s one thing to identify a problem, it’s another to be able to get on-site and provide the appropriate solution. Each area of vegetation has its own unique landscape, site characteristics, and environmental considerations. 

Gaining access to the problem can often be the hardest part. For example, locations where unwanted species have become unmanageable are intimidating to access and require stealth and accuracy that may be above the call of duty for some workers. 

Growing Seasons

There are seasons where vegetation grows at rapid rates. In peak growth seasons, vegetation management becomes challenging since extra efforts have to be injected into the system - which can lead to extra cost and short timeframes where it may be tough to get everything done in time and on budget. 

How Drones Change the Game

Improved Safety

Drone technology employs a remote mode of operation. This means that human contact with vegetation, related infrastructure, solutions and equipment is significantly reduced. 

High Efficiency

Drones can provide surveillance and mapping data needed to analyze the state of vegetation invasion, the extent, and which areas are affected, providing a good idea of the best remedies and approaches to apply. 

Also, in executing the right solutions, drones offer precision, accuracy, and ease of labour in less time. All these dynamics put together will improve efficiency.

Ease of Accessibility

Hard-to-reach areas are never a problem with aerial drone solutions. They can get to any extent of the location in view. Drones also provide good visibility as no areas are hidden. A mix of visibility and accessibility will definitely make vegetation management seamless.

If you’re looking for land reclamation in Fort McMurray, aerial seeding in Swift Current, fencing in Fort St John at Strongfield Environmental Solutions we know how to create your ideal solution for any job.

Schedule a meeting with us and you’ll see why we are the most reliable and successful vegetation management company in the industry. Contact us today! 

About Author

Chad Hason

Chad is a storyteller based in Calgary Canada.

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Strongfield Environmental Solutions is also spearheading a nationwide working group to gather the required information to responsibly bring pesticide application via RPAAS technology to Canada.

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