We seed tree species that are both ecologically and silviculturally appropriate, as well as technically feasible. These include species such as black alder, pine, larch, rowan, birch, Douglas fir, grand fir, silver fir, and maple. In addition to trees, our seed mixtures also include herbaceous and shrubby species that:
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Provide rapid shade,
Protect the soil from drying out,
Reduce browsing pressure,
Prevent nutrient leaching, and
Support soil life.
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However, heavy-seeded species such as acorns, chestnuts, and other nuts are not suitable for aerial seeding by drone, as they need to be planted a few centimeters/inches deep in the soil. For this reason, we are also developing subsurface seeding methods—feel free to reach out if you’re interested!
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Seeding with us is not just an alternative to planting, but also a valuable complementary or preparatory measure. By establishing a site-adapted mixture of pioneer species, we actively improve conditions for forest regeneration through an early-successional forest. Once these conditions are improved, target tree species such as beech, oak, or silver fir can be planted at a later stage with significantly reduced risk and improved long-term establishment.

Drone seeding is most effective on larger areas, as preparation and travel times must remain proportional to the actual seeding effort. However, smaller areas can also be considered under certain conditions.

For optimal efficiency, a region should have around 5–10 hectares of seeding area. This can include multiple smaller plots, and neighboring landowners can collaborate to reach the recommended size.

Individually, smaller plots of around 0.5–1 hectare are possible. If multiple small areas are located close enough to avoid relocating the drone, even smaller plots can be seeded efficiently.

The cost of drone-based seeding depends on multiple factors, including location, plot size, site conditions, target tree species, seed availability, and more. Since every project is unique, pricing is tailored to the specific requirements of each order.

‍Our prices start at approximately €2,000 per hectare, making drone seeding a more cost-effective alternative to conventional planting.

For a personalized quote, feel free to send us a non-binding inquiry, and we will get in touch with you: anfrage(at)skyseed.eco (please replace (at) with @).

Seeding is the most natural method of reforestation, closely mimicking natural regeneration, where mature seeds fall to the ground and germinate in place. Unlike planted seedlings, which often experience transplant shock and root damage, seeded trees develop an intact root system with stronger fine roots. This leads to greater resilience, making seedlings more adaptable to climate change and promoting the long-term stability of forest stands.
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Additionally, natural selection plays a key role—countless seedlings establish in different microhabitats, ensuring that the most well-adapted individuals thrive.
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Another major advantage is the ability to secure degraded areas more quickly. Thanks to our pelleting technology, we can also sow herbaceous, non-invasive vegetation on calamity-affected sites, helping to stabilize the soil and support ecosystem recovery.

From the 2024/2025 season onward, we are deploying our brand-new SKYSEED X8 octocopter, designed from the ground up specifically for our seeding operations. With twice the flight time and payload capacity of previous models, it can carry up to 20 kg of seed pellets and cover up to two hectares in a single flight.

In addition, we continue to use two Alta X drones from Freefly Systems as support units. These drones, with a 2.3-meter wingspan and an 11 kg payload, are equipped with our custom-developed seeding mechanism to enhance operational efficiency.

Yes! We can tailor our seeding patterns to meet your specific requirements and site conditions. Thanks to RTK GPS technology, we achieve precision seeding with an accuracy of just a few centimeters, making row seeding highly feasible.

One of the key benefits of our pelleting process is its ability to reduce seed predation by mice, birds, and snails. The protective pellet matrix helps shield the seeds, allowing a large proportion to germinate before becoming accessible to wildlife. In contrast, unpelleted seeds face significantly higher losses due to predation.

Browsing pressure is a major challenge in forest regeneration, whether through planting or seeding. Large-scale planting often leads to high browsing pressure, as seedlings are concentrated in one area, making them easy targets. Seeding distributes young plants more widely, potentially reducing the risk of severe damage to any individual tree.

To further manage browsing pressure, we use species-rich seed mixtures that include herbaceous plants and woody species as supporting vegetation. These provide alternative forage, helping to divert some browsing pressure away from the target tree species while also improving microclimatic conditions for forest regeneration.

Managing browsing pressure requires a combination of strategies beyond seeding and species selection. In winter, repellents can be an effective short-term measure to protect young plants. However, long-term success depends on maintaining structural diversity in reforestation areas.

Rather than fully clearing a site, leaving woody debris—such as crown parts, branches, and brushwood—creates natural obstacles that help protect seedlings from browsing. This material also plays a crucial role in improving the microclimate, promoting humus buildup, and supporting long-term nutrient cycling, all of which contribute to healthier forest regeneration.

Yes, in principle, both options are possible. However, there are regulatory requirements and other factors that need to be considered.

Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to discuss your needs and find a suitable solution:
anfrage(at)skyseed.eco (please replace (at) with @)

There is no simple answer to this question. Forestry research and experimental trials have been investigating it for decades, but due to uncertainties in climate projections, precise predictions remain challenging.

To support decision-making, we utilize our climate matrix, along with the latest forecasts, research findings, and practical tools. While we cannot predict the future with certainty, we can help identify tree species and seed sources that are better suited to changing climatic conditions. One key strategy is assisted migration, which involves selecting and introducing seeds from populations that are better adapted to future climate conditions at specific seeding sites.

One thing is clear: nature relies on diversity. In unstable conditions, ecosystem resilience increases when species diversity allows for natural selection to favor the best-adapted individuals. Additionally, long-term CO₂ storage depends on strategically selecting seed sources, ensuring forests remain stable and functional under future climate conditions.

Many of the tree species we seed require mineral soil contact for successful germination and rooting. Even robust pioneer species need to germinate on bare soil or be lightly covered with soil to ensure proper development and access to water.

Before seeding, we typically assess the site conditions together with you to determine whether soil preparation is needed and, if so, which method is most suitable.

Dense competing vegetation can significantly hinder seedling establishment. If an area is already heavily overgrown—for example, with blackberry thickets, bracken, or dense reed grass—it is generally unsuitable for direct seeding. We conduct an on-site evaluation to assess whether seeding is feasible and recommend appropriate site preparation measures if necessary.

Maintenance requirements after seeding depend on species selection, site conditions, and competing vegetation. In some cases, seeding may require more effort than planting, as seedlings establish in a less uniform pattern and may need management interventions (such as an extra pre-commercial thinning).

However, when the site is suitable, seeding offers long-term advantages. It allows for natural selection, where well-adapted trees thrive, contributing to greater resilience and structural diversity over time. While this process can reduce the need for intensive management, early stand interventions may still be necessary in some cases.

Additionally, seeding generally has lower upfront costs than planting. While maintenance costs can vary, the overall financial risk is reduced, particularly given the increasing failure rates of conventional plantings with just a few target tree species.

Skyseed’s seeding approach enables the establishment of diverse forest ecosystems, which would be impractical to achieve through planting alone. This increased diversity reduces long-term risks, providing an ecological and financial advantage that may prove invaluable in the years to come.

Yes, we carefully select seed sources based on provenance regulations and ecological suitability. In Germany, seed sourcing is governed by the Forest Reproductive Material Act (Forstvermehrungsgutgesetz, FoVG), along with specific provenance recommendations from individual federal states. We strictly follow these laws and recommendations and only procure seeds from certified seed plantations.

For every project location in Germany, we utilize our self-developed seed matching system, which contains provenance regions (Herkunftsgebiete) for forest tree species and distribution regions (Vorkommensgebiete) for secondary tree species and shrubs. This allows us to immediately identify the most suitable seed sources for your project. After seeding, you will receive a delivery note with master certificates (Stammzertifikate) for each seed lot used.

For projects outside Germany, we recommend that you source seeds locally or provide us with a trusted local supplier to ensure compliance with regional regulations.

The timing of seeding plays a crucial role in its success, which is why we carefully select the most suitable period for each project.

In general, the seeding season falls within the winter months. However, the optimal timing within this period depends on several factors, including the species mix, site conditions, and weather patterns. Because these factors vary, the ideal seeding window is determined on a case-by-case basis to ensure the best possible establishment.

In principle, this is possible, but in most cases, it is not advisable. There are several risks associated with leaving a cleared area to regenerate on its own:
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1. Nutrient Loss: After clearing, nutrient leaching can occur, particularly in exposed soils with high rainfall, potentially reducing soil fertility over time.

2. Competing Vegetation: Without intervention, fast-growing species such as bracken, reed grass, and blackberry can dominate the site, making future regeneration efforts more difficult and costly.

3. Limited Natural Regeneration: The potential for natural regeneration is often overestimated, especially in monoculture stands that lack nearby seed-producing trees. While some wind- and animal-dispersed pioneers may establish naturally, success depends on the proximity of seed sources.

Seeding early successional species (Vorwaldarten) helps stabilize the site, reduce competition, and improve microclimatic conditions, making later planting of target tree species easier and more cost-effective. Additionally, direct seeding of pioneer-capable target species is a viable and effective option for forest regeneration.