Drone tree sampling refers to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to collect stems, and leaves material samples from the canopy of trees. This method enables researchers to obtain valuable data without causing any damage to the surrounding vegetation or the environment. Collecting samples from the uppermost part of a tree is often necessary, as it allows for the collection of sunlit foliage. Using tree cutting drones for tree sampling is particularly useful in areas that are difficult to access, such as steep slopes, dense forests, tall and mature trees, and can be used to study various aspects of tree biology, such as genetic diversity, nutrient cycling, and disease ecology.
