How much does it cost to spray apples by drone in Virginia?

Drone spraying apples in Virginia typically runs about $33–$74 per acre (application only, product extra). Carrier volume, passes, field size, and product move the final number — compare operator quotes for an exact price.

What carrier volume and how many passes for apples?

Apples is usually treated at 5–10 GPA over Multiple (scab + codling moth, 10–15 sprays). Apple scab and codling-moth programs can mean a dozen-plus sprays a season; precise canopy coverage with low drift is the premium.

Apples drone spraying cost in Virginia

Researched per-acre cost to spray apples by drone in Virginia, the agronomy that drives it, and operators who cover your area.

Quick answer: Drone spraying for apples in Virginia typically runs $33–$74 per acre (application only). Apple scab and codling-moth programs can mean a dozen-plus sprays a season; precise canopy coverage with low drift is the premium. Typical carrier volume is 5–10 GPA over Multiple (scab + codling moth, 10–15 sprays).

State

Virginia

CropAcres

Gallons per acre (carrier volume)Restricted-use pesticide (certified applicator + records)

Estimated cost in Virginia

$5,280–$11,840

$33–$74/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Virginia base rate: $33–$74/acre (specialty)
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

Application only — product & chemical extra.

Sources & how this is estimated

Estimate only — actual rates vary by field size, terrain, and product. Application only; product/chemical extra. Data as of 2026.

Sources: UGA 2024 Georgia Custom Rate Survey (nearest in-region row-crop survey; Aerial Spray avg $12.81/ac); Virginia Tech News — researchers study herbicide spray applications using drones (Eastern Shore, in-state context, no per-acre rate); Ag Drone Directory 2026 — Northeast band (incl. Virginia) $15-25/ac; orchards $20-35, vineyards $18-30

What it takes to spray apples in Virginia

Apple scab and codling-moth programs can mean a dozen-plus sprays a season; precise canopy coverage with low drift is the premium.

Carrier volume: 5–10 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: Multiple (scab + codling moth, 10–15 sprays).
Grown in Virginia: 9,825 bearingacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable apples acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

Virginia estimate · low confidence · data as of 2026 — No Virginia aerial/drone custom-rate survey with per-acre figures found (Virginia Tech publishes research, not rates; Ag Drone Directory places VA in its Northeast $15-25/ac band). Derived from Georgia's 2024 UGA survey scaled up ~10% for VA's smaller, hillier, more fragmented fields and thinner operator density; specialty band reflects VA's notable orchard/vineyard sector. Spread widened ~15% per low-confidence rule.

1 Virginia operator treats apples. Request free quotes.

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Other crops in Virginia

Soybeans Corn Wheat Cotton Alfalfa & Hay Peanuts Tobacco Barley Vineyards Sorghum Potatoes All Virginia costs

Apples drone spraying in Virginia: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray apples by drone in Virginia?: Drone spraying apples in Virginia typically runs about $33–$74 per acre (application only, product extra). Carrier volume, passes, field size, and product move the final number — compare operator quotes for an exact price.
What carrier volume and how many passes for apples?: Apples is usually treated at 5–10 GPA over Multiple (scab + codling moth, 10–15 sprays). Apple scab and codling-moth programs can mean a dozen-plus sprays a season; precise canopy coverage with low drift is the premium.