Flash Forest uses drones to scatter seeds in Canada

Across the blackened forests of northern Quebec, drones are flying above the remains of burned timber, launching small seed-filled capsules directly into the earth. Developed by Canadian company Flash Forest, this aerial technology aims to replant landscapes devastated by wildfires, reaching remote and rugged areas that are extremely difficult to access on foot without heavy machinery.

This initiative follows Quebec's severe 2023 wildfire season, which burned approximately 4.5 million hectares across the province. Flash Forest has since expanded its operations nationwide in Canada. According to its latest impact report, the company successfully planted 686,147 trees across five distinct sites in 2025, covering 429 hectares of burned forest land.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

At the core of the operation is a biodegradable seed pod designed to support young trees through early growth stages. Each capsule contains nutrients, moisture-retaining additives, and mycorrhizal fungi to help developing roots absorb soil nutrients. Customized drones propel the pods straight into the ground, allowing seeds to germinate instantly without requiring a traditional tree nursery phase.

"The aerial process offers a way to restore habitats while avoiding further disturbance to the land."

Benny Blacksmith, Oujé-Bougoumou Cree First Nation

Behind the automated planting lies a collaborative seed-gathering effort with the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree First Nation. To combat a shortage of native seeds, the team traveled by snowmobile and climbed through northern Quebec forests in temperatures plunging to -30°C to harvest jack pine cones directly from living trees. This winter operation yielded roughly 8.5 million seeds, which were integrated into planting pods within five months.