Fair Lifts showcased its agricultural drone spray job expertise by completing a major project for Scenic Hills Nursery, located in McMinnville, Tennessee. As the top supplier of landscaping trees for Site One—the “Home Depot of landscaping”—Scenic Hills Nursery spans nearly 1,000 acres of rolling farmland, specializing in ornamental and shade trees, evergreens, and liners. Fair Lifts’ UAV team was honored to partner with this industry leader, delivering precision spraying across a diverse and challenging landscape.
Scenic Hills Nursery: A National Leader
Scenic Hills Nursery. McMinnville, TN. | Photo: scenichillsnursery.net
Renowned for excellence, Scenic Hills Nursery collaborates with landscape architects nationwide to provide high-quality trees for residential and commercial projects. Their 1,000-acre farms in McMinnville—the “Nursery Capital of the World”—cultivate a wide variety of trees at different growth stages, from ornamentals to evergreens. Their dedication to quality made them the perfect partner for this advanced drone spray operation.
Project Scope and Challenges
The spray job demanded meticulous planning due to the nursery’s unique complexities:
- Variable Tree Heights: From liners to mature trees, spray altitudes required constant adjustment.
- Rolling Terrain: Undulating hills necessitated precise drone altitude control for optimal coverage.
- Weather Delays: High winds disrupted aerial surveys, prompting a shift to ground-based mapping to ensure accuracy.
Fair Lifts adapted swiftly, using ground surveys to maintain progress despite weather setbacks, keeping the project on schedule.
The Technology: XAG P100 HP Drones
A Fair Lifts’ XAG P100 HP drone mid spray
Fair Lifts deployed XAG P100 HP drones equipped with 15-gallon tanks and 4-nozzle systems, chosen for their ability to:
- Auto-adjust to elevation changes on uneven terrain.
- Deliver uniform coverage across varying canopy densities.
- Operate safely in tight planting spaces.
The drones’ precision nozzles ensured tailored spray patterns for different tree sections, excelling in managing elevation shifts—a testament to both the technology and the Fair Lifts team’s skill.
Spray Application: Dormant Mineral Oil for Insect Control
The job involved dormant mineral oil, an organic insect control method that safeguards trees during winter. The oil suffocates overwintering pests like scale and aphids without synthetic chemicals. Key benefits include:
- Eco-Friendly: Non-toxic to beneficial insects once dry.
- Tree Health: Prevents pest damage to spring growth.
- Sustainability: Reduces the need for harsher pesticides later.
This approach aligns with Scenic Hills Nursery’s commitment to sustainable practices, meeting the demands of eco-conscious clients.
Operational Excellence: Fair Lifts’ Commitment
Fair Lifts’ UAS Team Member servicing a XAG P100 HP drone
Fair Lifts UAV worked extended hours, including weekends, to overcome weather delays and ensure full coverage. Their adaptability and professionalism kept Scenic Hills Nursery’s growing season on track despite terrain and environmental challenges.
Through relentless effort, clear communication, and tech-driven solutions, Fair Lifts proved its core strengths: reliability, innovation, and results. This agricultural drone spray job underscores Fair Lifts’ role in advancing agricultural technology for large-scale nursery operations.
Measurable Success and Expanded Engagement
Scenic Hills Nursery praised Fair Lifts’ responsiveness, quality, and flexibility, committing to future collaborations and referring other regional nurseries. This endorsement solidifies Fair Lifts’ reputation as Tennessee’s trusted aerial agriculture partner, proving that professionalism and hard work drive long-term success.
The Nursery Capital of the World
Fair Lift’s Agricultural Drone Spray Team serviced Scenic Hills Nursery | Photo: scenichillsnusery.net
McMinnville, known as “Tree City,” is a national hub for nursery production, and Scenic Hills Nursery is a cornerstone of this thriving industry. Completing a project of this scale in McMinnville—the heart of U.S. ornamental horticulture—reinforces Fair Lifts’ leadership in agricultural drone spray jobs.
By combining cutting-edge drone tech with strategic field expertise, Fair Lifts Agricultural Drone Services helped Scenic Hills Nursery protect its valuable stock, supporting Warren County’s vital nursery economy and beyond.
Contact Fair Lifts or call Phillip Mitchel directly at (850) 517-3540 to discuss how our precision agricultural drone services can optimize your nursery operations.