How to get a drone out of a tree (safely)

To get a drone out of a tall tree, first find exactly where it is with Find My Drone in DJI Fly, then work from the ground: knock it loose with a telescoping pole, or throw a weighted line over the branch and shake it gently. For drones high up, hire a tree service or arborist. If it's on or near power lines, don't touch the tree or the line; call the utility company.

Drone stuck in a tree — Your safety comes first. A drone can be replaced; a fall from a tree or contact with a power line can't be undone.

Step 1: find it

Last position on the map. DJI Fly's map shows where the drone was when the signal dropped.
Find My Drone. In DJI Fly, open ··· > Safety > Find My Drone. DJI's manuals say it can make the drone flash or beep, or show its location on a map. Use it while there's battery left.
Look for the lights at dusk; they stand out against the leaves.

Step 2: decide if it's safe

Stop and call for help if any of these apply:

The drone is near power lines or a utility pole. Keep well away and call the utility.
Getting to it means climbing a tall tree, a ladder on uneven ground, or a cliff edge.
The tree is on someone else's property. Ask first.
It's over water or a road.

DJI's own advice for drones lost in dangerous places is simple: safety first.

Step 3: ways to get it down

From easiest to hardest:

Wait for wind. Light drones sometimes shake loose on their own.
Gently shake the trunk or a low branch, if the tree is small. Have someone ready to catch it.
Telescoping pole. A painter's extension pole or pool pole can reach 15 to 25 ft. Push the drone up and off the branch rather than knocking it straight down.
Throw line. Tie a weighted bag or soft ball to a light rope, throw it over the branch holding the drone, and shake the branch from the ground. Arborists use throw bags for exactly this. Clear the area below first.
Hire a tree service or arborist. They have climbing gear and insurance. For an expensive drone, it's often worth it.

Don't fly a second drone at it, throw heavy objects, or cut branches from a tree you don't own.

Step 4: check the drone before flying again

DJI recommends sending a retrieved drone in for diagnosis to avoid problems on the next flight. At a minimum:

Battery: check for swelling, dents or a damaged case. Don't charge or fly a damaged battery.
Propellers: replace any that are chipped or bent.
Gimbal and camera: power on and watch the gimbal self-check. Errors mean it needs service: see gimbal motor overloaded.
Motors: spin each one by hand. Any grinding means debris or damage.
Calibrate the IMU and compass after a fall: how to calibrate a DJI drone.

If you can't get it back, DJI has a flyaway registration process, and DJI Care Refresh plans include flyaway replacement on supported models, if the drone was bound to your account. See drone flyaway.

How to avoid it next time

Obstacle sensing can miss branches. DJI's Mini 4 Pro manual says the vision system may not detect obstacles with small surface areas, such as tree branches and power lines.
Set RTH altitude above the tallest trees. See how to set the DJI home point.
Leave margin when flying near trees, especially when tracking a subject or flying backward.

Need a repair after a tree rescue? Start on our repair page.