When most people think about vegetation management, they think about the products used to control invasive plants, manage unwanted growth or support healthier landscapes. What they may not realize is that the product itself is only part of the equation. How that product is applied can have just as much impact on the outcome.
For more than a century, science has shaped how Davey approaches tree care, vegetation management and environmental services. Today, that commitment continues through research focused on improving the application of herbicides, fertilizers and other vegetation management products.
Every application is influenced by factors such as weather, plant biology, equipment design, droplet size and operator technique. If a product does not reach its intended target, effectiveness can decrease and more product may be needed to achieve the desired result.
"Most people focus on the product, but the reality is that how you apply it can be just as important. If we can improve where every droplet goes, we can improve effectiveness, reduce waste and deliver better results for our clients," said Zane Raudenbush, manager of research operations with the Davey Institute, located at the SEED Campus.
That is why Davey is studying everything from spray nozzles and droplet size to GPS guided equipment and emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
One area of focus is precision. New image-based technologies can identify unwanted vegetation in real time and make decisions about where treatments should be applied. Rather than treating an entire area, future systems may be able to target only the plants that require attention.
Davey is also evaluating ways to reduce off target movement and improve the efficiency of applications. Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference when managing utility corridors, transportation networks, railroads, commercial properties and other large landscapes.
For clients, this work helps support more effective vegetation management programs, improved environmental stewardship, and greater value from every application.
The goal is simple: put the right product in the right place at the right time. Backed by science, that approach helps Davey deliver better results while continuing a long tradition of innovation in the green industry.
