Drone use

[Matias]

Palms are probably an ideal application choice because the drone and line come in from above the tree, guessing on dead center, and the drone wouldn't have to go among the leaders to get a particular crotch. ?

Exactly, and setting lines in palms, especially huge date palms, can damage the apical meristem, so it's worth the investment to come up with a foolproof system for all the crews at a big company that does a lot of date palms. I gotta find that video, because I feel like he mentions whether or not they use the drones they have for non palms.

 

[southsoundtree]

Conifers could be an application, though the height could be an issue... I'm thinking it would be most helpful in tall trees where the throw line and weight would be heavier.

Getting a 12 oz bag down on throwline can be hard...i general throw or shoot 12's, then change to 16's or my one beloved 20oz vinyl weight.

Recently, I didn't find any 20 oz bags for sale.

 

[Bart_]

For the weight and size issue one might be forced into the two stage solution ie first the smaller weight with smaller usually braided heavy fishing line, then use that to pull a regular throwline, then the rope. The smaller weight and line first reduces the requirements on the drone and also it's size to enable tighter access.

I read that in big PNW conifers involving crossbows etc that the stages are throwline, bigger cord then rope. Newtribe used to make 4 oz throwbags for special access purposes.

edit - the special line was bonded monofilament core and braided cover IIRC

 

[SeanRuel]

In what ways has the drone been useful for you in tree work? How practical is it as a pre-inspection tool? And would you recommend the DJI mini 3 now?

We have been opening and maintaining a few view corridors through 90 year old even aged red spruce forest. The longest shot from house to tree is around 2500 feet.

Got the drone because it was impossible to identify the trees in the corridor from the ground a half mile away. Drone let's us sight the relevant tree, fly directly at it, and hover circles around it.

I just don't remember to use it for inspection or really anything else, but it's been a real life saver for that project!