When your brand-new drone ends up stuck in a tree, it can be incredibly frustrating and disappointing. It means you can’t enjoy flying your drone, and you might be bummed out until you figure out how to rescue it. This guide is here to assist you when such a situation occurs. We will guide you step by step, showing you how to safely get your drone back from the tree.
How To Get A Drone Out Of A Tree
Before you go on a mission to save your drone from a tree, it’s important to do a few things first:
Find Your Drone: Figure out how high up in the tree your drone is and exactly where it’s stuck. This will help you plan what to do next.
See if there are any things like power lines, buildings, or busy roads near the tree. It will help you to avoid any accident.
Getting the Right Tools
To make sure you can get your drone back, you need the right tools. Here’s what you might need:
- Ladder or Long Stick: Depending on how high your drone is, you might need a ladder or a long stick to reach it.
- Safety Gear: Wear safety gear to keep you safe. Putting on gloves and safety glasses will make sure your hands stay safe and your eyes are shielded from any tiny bits that might fall down.
- A Helper (Optional but a Good Idea): It’s not a must, but having a friend with you can be really helpful, especially if you’re using a ladder or a long stick.
Safety First
Before you start getting your drone back, make sure you’re safe. When you’re working with drones up high, safety is super important. Even a tiny mistake can cause huge issues, so make sure to be really, really careful.
Wear Safety Gear
Gloves: Put on gloves that give you a good grip. They’ll protect your hands from scratches or splinters when you’re handling the drone and tools.
Keep Others Away
Make sure no one else is close to the tree while you’re trying to get your drone. Keep your pets and kids far away so they don’t get hurt or distract you.
Be Careful with Ladders and Long Sticks
If you’re using a ladder or a long stick, make sure they’re stable and safe to use. Check that everything locks in place properly.
Put it on solid ground, always have at least three parts of your body touching the ladder, and don’t go higher than the ladder can handle.
Getting Your Drone Out of a Tree
So, you’ve looked at the situation and made sure you’re safe. Now, it’s time to rescue your drone from the tree it’s stuck in. Depending on how high up it is, you can use either a ladder or a long pole. Here’s a simple guide to help you do it safely:
Climbing Up or Using a Pole
Set up the ladder or pole so you can reach the drone without stretching too much or going too high, which could be risky. If you’re on a ladder, always have two feet and one hand on it to stay balanced. If you’re using a pole, hold it firmly for control.
Using the Pole
If you’re using a long pole, gently move it to nudge or grab the drone. Take your time to avoid making things worse. Once you reach the drone, use the pole to hold it still while you carefully free it from the branches.
If You’re Using a Ladder
Climb Safely: If you’re on a ladder, climb it carefully while making sure it’s stable. Have a friend help you if you’re unsure. Once you’re at the right height, use a tool like a long stick or a pole with a hook to gently get the drone out of the tree. Be careful not to damage it.
Don’t Shake the Tree Too Much
Try not to shake the tree too hard to avoid damaging the drone. Too much shaking might make parts break or the drone fall. Being calm and careful reduces the chances of accidents, like falling branches or debris.
Bring the Drone Down Gently
As you free the drone, move it slowly and carefully. Don’t make any quick or sudden moves that could harm the drone. If you can, let gravity help bring the drone down without forcing it.
Once you’ve got the drone, carefully bring it down to the ground, making sure it lands softly to avoid more damage.
Congratulations on saving your drone! But there are some things you need to do after the rescue:
Ways to Rescue Your Stuck Drone from a Tree:
Here are some usual methods you can use to bring your drone back if it’s stuck in a tree. You can pick one of these methods depending on your situation:
Method 1: Climbing the Tree
Getting your drone out of a tree might sound like the easiest thing to do is to climb up and grab it. But there are some important things to think about before you do this.
First, climbing a tree can be hard. You need to be pretty strong to climb because you have to use your arms to hold onto branches and pull yourself up. If you’re not very fit or you’re overweight, it might be tough for you.
But even if you’re strong and good at climbing, it can still be dangerous. Tree branches can break, and you could fall and get hurt. So, if you want to climb a tree to get your drone, be really careful.
Method 2: Use a Long Stick
Another way to get your drone out of the tree is to try poking, hitting, or gently pushing it down using a long stick or something flat and long. Be careful not to hurt yourself! Using a ladder is also a good idea.
Bamboo is like a super strong and long stick, which makes it great for reaching high places, just like tall trees.
The only issue is finding bamboo sticks. I found some that are 6 feet long, and you can get 25 of them for about $68 at Lowes.com. But here’s the catch: you’ll need to use some duct tape to stick them all together. When they’re taped together, they can help you reach heights of around 100 feet.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bamboo sticks
- Duct tape.
- A blanket or net.
Here’s what you do:
Stick the bamboo sticks together with tape until they reach the length you desire. Make sure to overlap them a bit so they don’t break when you lift them up.
Get someone to stand under the drone with a blanket or net, just in case. Try tapping the branch where the drone is stuck. If that doesn’t work, go ahead and gently poke at it.
Method 3 Using a ladder
Using a ladder to get your drone from a tree is a simple and smart idea. You put the ladder under the tree, making sure it won’t wobble or fall. Then, you climb up the ladder to the branch where your drone is stuck, and you gently get it free. This way, you can safely reach your drone, especially if it’s not too high up in the tree. Just be careful and stay steady on the ladder to prevent accidents or harming your drone even more.
Poking It With a Pole
This might sound simple, but it’s a great way to get your drone out of a tree. If you can’t climb or don’t have a ladder, just get a long pole and use it to gently poke your drone until it falls down.
Your pole needs to be long enough to reach your drone, especially if the tree is really tall. And it should be strong so it doesn’t bend while you’re using it.
But be careful! When you’re trying to get the drone out, it could drop to the ground and get damaged. So, make sure to have something to catch it, like a net or someone to grab it when it falls. Safety first!
4 The Throw Weight
Look for a large, weighty thing that you can toss quite far. Tie some light fishing line to it (make sure it’s tied securely).
Walk about 100 feet away from the tree while unwinding the line.Go back to where you started.
Now, the fun part:
Don’t aim for the drone itself. Instead, throw the rope over the tree branch where the drone is stuck. Make sure you throw it slightly to the left or right of the drone’s location.
Shake the line gently, so it rubs against the tree. Keep doing this until the drone falls down. You might need to cut the line and do it again from a different angle.
Congratulate yourself – you’ve saved your drone!
5 Duct Tape Three Rakes Together
Here’s a cool trick that Velospinner, a drone enthusiast, shared. He just took three rakes and taped them together, creating a super long tool that can reach as high as 12 meters or 39 feet. If your drone is stuck not too far up in the tree, you might want to give this method a shot.
But remember, you can use any long poles you have. If you’ve got an old broom, a rake, and maybe a pool pole, tape all three of them together. The idea here is to be creative and use what you have on hand. A little bit of clever thinking can be really helpful.
Here’s what you’ll need for this:
- Duct tape.
- Poles or sticks, like broom handles or rake handles.
- You need something gentle and cushiony for the drone to touch down on, like a net or a soft blanket.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Tape your poles or sticks together with some overlap so they stay connected when you lift them.
- Create a soft landing area or place for the drone, so it doesn’t break.
- Try tapping the branch where the drone is stuck first to avoid hurting the drone.
- As a last resort, start poking at the drone to try and dislodge it.
Use a Roof Rake
If you own a long roof rake, it can be really helpful. These rakes can reach up to 21 feet high. So, if your drone is stuck lower than that in a tree, a roof rake could be a good solution.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- All you need is a roof rake, preferably one that can extend as far as possible.
- You can find one at a store like Amazon and Home Depot.
- Something soft for landing, like a blanket or a net.
Here’s how you can do it:
Get ready for a safe landing spot by having someone hold a blanket or a net below.
First, try to shake the branch where your drone is stuck. If that doesn’t do the trick, gently poke at the drone to try and get it free.
6 Contact a Professional:
When nothing else works, think about calling experts like tree or drone retrieval services. They’re good at getting drones from high trees safely because they have the right tools and know-how.
Remember to prioritize safety during any retrieval attempt, and be cautious to avoid damaging the drone or causing harm to yourself or others.
Call Tree Trimmers
Another option is to call tree trimmers and offer them about $50 to swing by and quickly get your drone out of the tree.
This can save you a lot of time and money compared to some of the other methods you might find online, which often require you to buy materials and might not even work.
Tree trimmers already have all the equipment they need, and since it’s an easy job for them, they might be willing to help for a small fee or even just a beer.
7 Call the Fire Department – Seriously!
I want to talk about this tip first because some people might think it’s not a good idea. They might say it’s a waste of government resources. But let me explain why it’s actually a smart move.
Sometimes, when people get desperate to get their drones out of trees, they put themselves in danger by trying to climb really tall trees. The fire department would prefer that you ask for their help instead of risking your safety or someone else’s.
So, if your drone is stuck in a tree, and you think trying to climb the tree might be dangerous, it’s completely okay to call the fire department. And guess what? They won’t charge you a cent for it.
But here are some important things to remember before you call them:
- Talk to them, be polite and respectful. They’ll appreciate your kindness and be more likely to help.
- Explain exactly what’s going on. Don’t make it sound more dramatic than it is, and definitely don’t lie to them. If you say your drone is 50 feet up when it’s really only 6 feet high, that could upset them.
- Let them know that your situation is not an emergency, and you’re okay with waiting.
- Only seek assistance if your drone is precious to you.
The method you use depends on how high your drone is stuck in the tree.Always assess the situation carefully before attempting a retrieval, and if in doubt, seek assistance from someone experienced in tree climbing or drone retrieval.
Check the Drone
Once you retrieve the drone, Inspect it for any visible damage, like broken propellers or scratches. Check that everything is working correctly. Test the motors, camera, and other parts to be sure it’s safe to fly again.
Clean the Drone If Needed
Clean the drone to remove dirt, leaves, or anything that got on it while it was stuck in the tree. If it rained while the drone was in the tree, check for signs of water damage. Let it dry completely before using it.
Calibrate the Drone (If Necessary)
Depending on your drone, you might need to calibrate the drone’s sensors or compass. Check the drone’s manual for how to do this.
Before taking it on another flight, test your drone in a safe, open area. Make sure it responds well to your commands and flies smoothly.
How to avoid the Drone to stuck in Tree:
Now, let’s talk about how to keep your drone out of trouble in the first place. Here are some simple steps to avoid getting your drone stuck in a tree:
Fly The Drone in Open Spaces
When you fly your drone, pick spots without too many things like trees or buildings around. This way, you’re less likely to crash into stuff.
Make sure your drone is up high, away from trees and other things that can get in its way. Flying too low can lead to problems.
Use Tech Help
Many drones have smart features like GPS, Drones with collision avoidance and things that help them avoid crashing into stuff. Use these features to keep your drone safe.
Keep an Eye on Battery
Don’t forget to watch how much battery your drone has left. If it’s low, bring it back before it gets stuck somewhere. You can also learn about how long drone battery can lost.
Fly Carefully
Be gentle when you control your drone. Don’t make it do crazy tricks that might lead to accidents.
Sometimes, it’s a good idea to have a friend with you. They can help you see any problems and give you a hand if something goes wrong.
By following these easy steps, you can make sure your drone stays safe and doesn’t end up in a tree.
Conclusion
If you’re a new drone pilot, it’s common for drones to get stuck in trees. But, don’t worry! With the tips we’ve shared in this guide, you’re all set to rescue your drone safely.
Remember, the key is to plan carefully, be safe, and stay calm. Rescuing your drone is not just about saving your toy; it’s also about keeping everyone and everything safe.
By using the advice in this guide and being careful when you fly, you’ll be a drone expert in no time. So, if your drone ever decides to explore the treetops without your permission, don’t panic.
