Christmas tree growers around the world are increasingly using drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to modernize how they manage their plantations. Traditional methods of walking fields to count and measure trees are time‑consuming and prone to error, especially on large farms where there can be tens of thousands of trees. With drones equipped with cameras and satellite imaging, farmers can now quickly map entire fields and feed that imagery into AI systems that identify individual trees, measure their size, and track growth over time. This automation dramatically reduces labor while improving accuracy in monitoring crop health and yield.
In Denmark — one of Europe’s largest Christmas tree producers — growers have begun replacing manual counting with drone- and AI-driven analysis, which can map 100 hectares in around 30 minutes and count trees with up to 98 % accuracy. The AI also assigns unique IDs to each tree, making it easier to track growth and manage inventory as trees approach their typical 10‑year harvest cycle. These digital tools help farmers plan better for future harvests and make informed decisions about when trees are ready to sell.
In the United States, similar technologies are being adopted on Christmas tree farms in states like North Carolina, where drone operations have shifted from experimental to everyday use. Technologies such as LiDAR laser scanning allow drones to generate detailed terrain and vegetation maps, and some drones are now capable of targeted spraying of fertilizers and herbicides, reducing waste and labor. Autonomous ground-based drones are also being tested to handle tasks on steep slopes that traditional machinery can’t safely reach.
Despite their benefits, these technologies come with challenges. The high cost of drones and software — along with training requirements and strict aviation regulations — can make adoption difficult for smaller growers. Many smaller family farms still rely on hands-on methods, while larger enterprises are more likely to invest in high-tech solutions. However, interest is growing, and as drone capabilities increase and prices fall, more growers are recognizing that AI and drone tools can save time, reduce physical labor, and bring younger, tech-savvy workers into the industry.
