The municipality of the City of Mendoza carried out the first aerial spraying with drones for the biological pest control in large trees, especially tipas.
The operation was conducted in La Alameda and Plaza Italia, with the presence of Mayor Ulpiano Suarez, who highlighted the pioneering and innovative nature of this initiative in the urban environment.
Precision technology to combat psirio
The main objective was to mitigate the presence of psirio, a pest that affects tipas and produces sticky secretions that dirty sidewalks and roads, hindering the recreational use of squares and promenades.
The intervention was carried out with drones rented from the Mendoza company Agro Vants, using authorized organic products for urban use, ensuring safety and sustainability.
“Caring for the City also means innovating in how we protect our green spaces,” expressed Suarez, who congratulated the team for their environmental commitment.
How aerial spraying with drones works
The drones operate with computerized flights, defining parameters such as height, pressure, speed, and flow, and release a cloud of 100-micron microdroplets driven by fans.
In urban areas, they fly at 4–6 meters high, which improves coverage and reduces product dispersion. This technology allows reaching treetops over 20 meters, something impossible with spray trucks.
Environmental, operational, and social benefits
Speed, resource savings, safety, and zero emissions.
- Speed: in just an hour and a half it covers what previously required a week of work
- Water savings: consumption is reduced from 5,000 to 400 liters per square, always with organic inputs
- Total coverage: homogeneous wetting in high treetops, without risk to the environment
- Safety: the pilot remains distant, protecting workers, pedestrians, and pets
- Sustainability: electric equipment, no pollutant emissions or annoying noise
Local innovation with urban impact
The company Agro Vants, with experience in vine, fruit, and vegetable crops, has adapted its developments for the care of urban trees, marking a milestone in public-private collaboration.
It is the first time a municipality has contracted this service for urban use, positioning Mendoza as a leader in environmental innovation.
Next steps: more squares, more trees, more biological control
The strategy will extend to Plaza Independencia, Plaza Chile, Mitre Street, and other green spaces.
The Municipality will continue with applications in key public spaces, reinforcing the strategy of biological control and the comprehensive care of urban trees.
This action is part of a policy of modern environmental management, combining technology, sustainability, and local participation.
