Fair Lifts executed an innovative greenhouse shading project at Robrick Nursery in Hawthorne, Florida, on May 27, 2025. Using drone technology, the team applied ReduSol with precision across multiple greenhouse bays to help reduce internal heat levels and enhance overall growing conditions for a wide range of plant varieties.
About Robrick Nursery
Robrick Nursery, a prominent central Florida grower, cultivates about 200 plant varieties across 120,000 square feet of greenhouse space. Their infrastructure includes approximately 70,000 square feet of polyfilm greenhouses in varying conditions, plus additional space under corrugated polycarbonate panels.
Robrick Nusery | Photo: robrick.com
Previously, Robrick used aged yellowed polyfilm that naturally diffused sunlight. After upgrading to clear new plastic, internal heat levels rose significantly, creating a need for external shading solutions. While the nursery has an internal shading system, it struggles during peak sunlight hours, especially as Florida summers grow more intense.
Choosing ReduSol
A Fair Lifts UAS team member prepping the Redusol for the innovative greenhouse shading application
ReduSol is a reflective shading compound that reduces solar radiation and heat in greenhouses. Its temporary white coating reflects sunlight while allowing adjustable density for light control. The water-soluble formula can be removed with ReduClean when necessary.
Drone Application Process
Given the height and structural constraints of the greenhouses, Fair Lifts deployed XAG P100 Pro HP agricultural drones for low-altitude, high-precision spraying. These drones feature advanced spray controls and GPS targeting, making them ideal for delicate greenhouse environments.
The high-pressure drone system ensured even distribution across each bay with minimal overspray. The aerial application was completed quickly without disrupting nursery operations or risking damage to structures.
Fair Lifts’ Turnkey Solution
A Fair Lifts UAS team member filling the drone with ReduSol
Fair Lifts managed the entire project from planning to execution, providing a complete solution that eliminated the need for scaffolding or manual labor. Expert drone operators used programmed flight paths and real-time monitoring to apply precise ReduSol percentages to each bay.
As Robrick’s first contact for this shading project, Fair Lifts delivered immediate value through consultation, planning, and professional execution. Despite no set budget, we developed a flexible solution aligned with the client’s goals and open to future expansion.
Scalable Solutions for Smarter Climate Control
This drone-applied ReduSol coating marks a significant step forward in optimizing Robrick Nursery’s greenhouse infrastructure. By reducing heat buildup caused by direct sunlight, the shading solution is helping to create a more stable and manageable environment across the upgraded clear polyfilm structures. This is especially valuable during Florida’s intense summer season, when temperature spikes can stress sensitive plant varieties.
The success of this initial application has positioned Robrick to scale the solution across additional greenhouse bays. The facility includes a total of 120,000 square feet of covered space, consisting of both polyfilm and polycarbonate structures. Future shading efforts will be based on factors such as surface condition, light transmission needs, and the specific requirements of different crops. Fair Lifts’ drone spraying capability ensures that any expansion can be carried out quickly, cleanly, and with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Benefits of External Coatings
A view from inside the greenhouse of the Fair Lifts’ XAG P100 Pro HP drone applying ReduSol
External coatings like ReduSol provide advantages over internal shade cloths by reflecting sunlight before it enters the structure. This reduces heat buildup while potentially improving crop health, water efficiency, and growth uniformity.
For Robrick Nursery, this drone spraying project represents part of their broader modernization effort, replacing outdated infrastructure with higher-performance solutions. Partnering with Fair Lifts enables efficient testing and scaling with minimal operational disruption.
Watch the Greenhouse Shading Drone in Action
Watch our XAG P100 Pro HP drone in action as it applies ReduSol to greenhouse rooftops at Robrick Nursery in Hawthorne, Florida. This efficient drone spraying operation helps reduce internal temperatures and improve growing conditions without the need for ladders or heavy equipment. A safer, faster, and more precise solution for modern greenhouse shading.
Fair Lifts’ Commitment to Growers
Fair Lifts specializes in innovative greenhouse shading and coatings, delivering unmatched precision, efficiency, and safety. Our drone fleet eliminates the risks and inefficiencies of traditional application methods, making modern shading practices more accessible.
The Robrick Nursery project demonstrates our effective, adaptable aerial application services. As growers face rising temperatures, water restrictions, and diverse crops, external coatings will become increasingly important.
Contact Fair Lifts or call Phillip Mitchel directly at (850) 517-3540 to discuss how our precision greenhouse shading services can optimize your nursery operations.