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Vegetation management crews are the quiet force behind the scenes. They thrive to keep power flowing and infrastructure safe from overgrowth. But not all crews are the same. So, what separates the top performers from the rest? It’s not just hard work, it’s about working smarter with strategy, data, smart tech, and a focus on long-term results.
Let’s look at what high-performing crews are doing differently, and how you can bring those same practices into your own operations.
High-performing vegetation management crews aren’t just trying to check boxes or hit short-term targets. They look at the bigger picture. When mowing and blanket spraying get their jobs done, they don’t stop there. Along with the methods to treat symptoms, they dive deep to identify the root cause.
Top crews use Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM), a smarter approach that encourages low-growing, native plant communities to thrive. By promoting desirable vegetation, they reduce future maintenance needs and improve the natural landscape. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and good for the environment.
They use AI powered and advanced vegetation management software that helps them drive incredible results for them.
Cost savings of over 40% can be achieved just by switching from mowing to targeted herbicide use as part of the IVM strategy.
Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) is a proactive, sustainable approach to managing vegetation around critical infrastructure. Unlike traditional methods, IVM combines targeted herbicide applications, mechanical trimming, and natural growth control to address the root causes of vegetation issues.
This long-term strategy promotes healthy, low-maintenance plant growth, reducing the need for frequent treatments and minimizing environmental impact. By focusing on safety, efficiency, and ecological balance, IVM lowers costs, reduces labor, and ensures infrastructure reliability.
While some crews are stuck chasing problems, high performers prevent them with data and strategic planning.
Instead of reacting to issues as they come up, these teams plan ahead, using selective herbicide applications and ecological controls. Over time, that means less equipment, fewer labor hours, and lower costs.
Today’s top vegetation management teams don’t guess. They don’t work with their gut feelings and blind instincts. They use data and advance vegetation management software to drive decisions. Tools like satellite imagery, AI, and field management platforms help them:
Research shows that using satellite-powered vegetation tools along with AI can dramatically speed up planning, automate workflows, and reduce overall costs. It's like having a bird’s-eye view of your entire operation, all in real time.
IVM takes a big-picture approach, using a mix of methods (mechanical, chemical, cultural) to manage vegetation with the ecosystem in mind. You get fewer invasive plants, more biodiversity, and lower maintenance needs in the long run.
When you act is just as important as how. High-performing crews time their treatments for maximum impact. Like fall herbicide applications that knock out winter weeds and prepare areas for a clean spring start. It’s about using the seasons to your advantage.
Satellite and AI-Powered tools
These teams use satellite imagery (SAR) and artificial intelligence to stay ahead of trouble. With these platforms and tools, they:
LiDAR Drones
LiDAR drones are becoming a go-to for high-resolution monitoring. They help identify vegetation that poses the highest risk to poles and wires, so crews can focus where it really matters. It’s like precision-targeted maintenance for the crews with fewer surprises.
Safety isn’t just a box to check. It’s a daily priority. High-performing crews know that maintaining clearances around power lines is critical for both reliability and public safety. Using necessary forms and checklist to ensure safety and compliance is made mandatory before beginning their work.
If you’re looking to bring your vegetation management program up to speed with the top-performing crews, here are five proven steps to guide your path:
If you’re ready to step up your vegetation management projects, KYRO has your back.
KYRO is built to help vegetation crews perform their best. It centralizes your data, gives you real-time visibility, and arms you with powerful tools for planning, tracking, and reporting. With custom forms purpose built for vegetation crews and tailored workflows, it helps you track your work with ease.
Whether you’re trying to cut costs, improve safety, or just get more done with less, KYRO helps you get there by connecting your field and office tasks. From task allocation to field execution, vegetation inspection to field reports, it's built to drive results at every level.
Read more: How KYRO modernizes utility vegetation management inspections
What is vegetation management and why does it matter?
It’s about keeping plants in check around infrastructure like power lines and roads. If done right, it prevents outages, enhances safety, and supports environmental goals.
How do high-performing crews use technology?
They use AI, satellite imagery data for vegetation, SAR, and drones to spot risks, plan smarter, and verify work, all in less time.
What are the benefits of Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM)?
Lower costs, better biodiversity, healthier ecosystems, and less long-term maintenance.
How can utilities prevent vegetation-related outages?
Stay proactive, monitor growth with tech, schedule treatments seasonally, and keep clearances clean.
The best vegetation management crews don’t rely on luck. They rely on smart strategies, solid planning, data, and the right tools. From using IVM to adopting the latest tech, these teams are setting the bar.
Ready to modernize your vegetation management program?
Book a demo with KYRO to see how we help leading teams cut costs, improve safety, and hit every deadline.