Look up!
We’re only kidding, but chances are you’ve probably seen or heard a drone recently. To be more specific, the official terminology for drones is unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and they’ve impacted several industries in a meaningful way over the last several years.
In 2022, there were more than 800,000 drones registered with the Federal Aviation Administration and 300,000-plus of those registered for commercial use.
There are common and widely-viewed applications for drones, and if you’ve watched football lately, you’ve seen an aerial shot provided by a drone. Maybe you’ve seen maps created by drones or images of homes or properties that were taken by drones and used in real estate listings. Every day, it seems, we’re discovering new and exciting uses for UAV technology – and the tree care industry is no different.
Other industries utilizing UAV technology include petroleum, construction, security and research. And while UAVs are largely benefitting these industries, there are also insurance and liability considerations to take into account.
The Use of Drones in Tree Care is On the Rise
Tree care is in demand and its essential nature enables the industry to withstand diverse economic conditions, including recession – and a wide-ranging customer base indicates the health of the industry. In 2022, researchers at IBISWorld estimated the tree trimming industry to be worth more than $36 billion, and that number is expected to rise in the years ahead.
Benefits of Drones in Tree Care
The efficiency and timeliness provided by drone technology is undeniable; drones can be programmed for specific flying heights and distances (often known as geo-fencing), so they can survey a particular area and offer aerial views within minutes.
Whether it’s a Level 1 visual inspection (flyover) or Level 3 (aerial inspection), drones help you achieve results in a new and transformative way.
There are two common types of drones: fixed-wing and rotor-wing drones, and most higher-end models have a flying time between 15-20 minutes on a charged battery. Rotor-wing drones are most commonly used in commercial settings because they can hover and inspect a specific area, allowing the operator to collect data around a potential work site.
Improved Logistics and Efficiency
As opposed to rolling a truck, setting up equipment, and using several workers for a job, tree care businesses can use drones to quickly take a snapshot of the working area. Insights into tree health assessment and potential needs for maintenance happen faster than before.
Reduced Fuel Consumption and Environmental Impact
One example of better efficiency with drone technology is fuel consumption; drones are electrically-powered and operate on a battery. With the software accompanying the drone, operators can tell how much charge is left on the drone so they can plan more strategically. Not only are you getting an up-close, detailed look at trees you may be working on, but you can also reduce your businesses’ carbon footprint by reducing the need for larger inspection equipment.
Lower Costs and Financial Implications
Another key consideration is cost. One of the important things to keep in mind is that, despite being newer to the tree care industry, UAV technology is not necessarily a new concept.
- Perhaps a decade ago, drones could cost upwards of $10,000 each and in 2023, high-quality products for business use are available for only a few thousand dollars.
- Having an accompanying tablet to work with your drone’s camera system is essential, because workers can get a view of the site and then have it available for customers within minutes.
A More Predictable Future in Tree Care
One thing we’re excited about with drone technology is fewer surprises. An aerial view gives you the opportunity to check procedures, look for areas of wear that may be dangerous, and identify clear and safe paths to complete the work.
What Are the Risks Involved with Using Drones in Tree Care?
As with most newer and emerging technologies, UAVs don’t come without risk and liability to the business. Make no mistake, though: drones are continuing to change the way arboriculture business is conducted.
How To Get Started with Your Drone (and What to Know)
First and foremost, registering your drone with the FAA is a must. Registration costs $5 and can be done here.
Whether the drone is for commercial use or recreational, it must comply with FAA regulations at all times. Part 107 of FAA regulations outlines rules surrounding drone use, but here are some highlights:
- One pilot can only observe one drone at a time.
- You must always avoid manned aircraft and never exceed speeds of 100 mph.
- Maximum flying height is 400 feet.
- Operating hours are 30 minutes before official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset.
Read more about the FAA’s drone operating requirements here.
Getting Licensed to Operate a Drone
Regardless of the drone’s intended use, all operators must be certified by the FAA or be under direct supervision of someone with an appropriate license. You must be at least 16 years old to fly a drone and obtain a Part 61 pilot certificate.
Failure to adhere to the FAA’s drone regulations can result in loss of operator’s license and additional fines, putting your business in jeopardy.
- Damage to homes, power lines, vehicles, or people caused by a drone can occur and must be handled swiftly.
- When problems arise, they must also be reported to the FAA.
- According to their guidelines, “you must report any operation that results in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage of at least $500 to the FAA within 10 days.”
Whenever additional equipment is involved – in this case, a UAV – there is risk (which means the business is liable for any accidents). Arboriculture is made easier and more accessible with drone technology, but the process only gets better with experience and proper support.
Strategies and Best Practices for Employing UAV Technology in Your Tree Care Business
Tree trimming drones can help customers – both current and prospective – gain a clear understanding of your crew’s safety practices and work standards, which helps you stand out from your competitors.
Here are some of the best practices for your tree care business as it introduces drone technology:
Create effective safety protocols
A flyover or aerial inspection can ensure that rigging and equipment are secure, which is a big win for your workers. They can also detect any power or utility lines in close proximity to the work site, adding up to fewer dangerous or unnecessary climbs.
Inspection and maintenance of equipment
A key aspect of safety is your equipment; drone technology, as mentioned above, can provide an up-close detailed inspection of any equipment you’ll be using for a particular job before you even send workers to the site. This not only keeps your team safe, but allows you to create a maintenance schedule to keep all aspects of the business running smoothly and safely.
Inspection and maintenance also applies to your drones – it’s important to have them looked at after every flight and be certain they’re ready for the next one.
Improved customer experience
Drones are a competitive advantage. Drones save you and the customer time, they save the business money, and allow for a smooth and comprehensive process that leaves no detail spared. The high-resolution images captured by the drone can also be used for marketing purposes, which can set your business apart from competitors.
Imagine being able to say this to a customer: “We’ll send one worker to the site and use a drone to survey the area, provide detailed imaging and information related to the work and have an estimate for you within the hour.”
Storing images and data securely on a private server will also safeguard your information and protect the customer’s information as well. When downloading data from your drone and sharing with a customer, also use a secure drive and put privacy at the forefront.
The comprehensive approach of TreePro and its industry-leading expertise
TreePro has been insuring tree professionals and their employers for more than 30 years, and is currently the largest and most comprehensive provider of its kind. Perhaps more than any other insurer, we know the unique risks facing the tree care industry – and are prepared to provide you with the necessary resources to better understand and implement arboriculture drone technology.
What coverages do you need for your drone?
The three primary coverages you’ll need are liability, damage and theft.
Liability
Liability coverage protects you and the business if a drone is responsible for damage to any property or causes an injury while on the job.
Damage
Damage insurance helps get your drone repaired or replaced when it’s damaged in the line of work. Without this coverage, your business will be on the hook for the full cost of a replacement, which can mean thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.
Theft
Theft protection helps you replace your drone if it’s stolen. As with damage coverage, foregoing theft coverage puts you at risk of spending your own money to replace a stolen drone.
Getting insurance for your drones is a must. With TreePro’s insurance plan, you can add drone coverage if your drone is licensed and used in a commercial capacity. For arborists, tree trimmers, and tree companies to successfully conduct business and protect their workers while leveraging drone technology, TreePro is the partner to trust.
For more information on TreePro coverage, to request a quote, or speak with an expert, please visit our website.
