How to Become a Tree Planter

Tree planting is an incredibly rewarding career path for those who love the outdoors and want to make a positive impact on the environment. As climate change continues to threaten ecosystems around the world, reforestation efforts are more important than ever. Tree planters play a vital role in restoring forests and offsetting carbon emissions. If you’re interested in working outside, caring for nature, and doing meaningful work, consider becoming a professional tree planter.

What Does a Tree Planter Do?

Tree planters are responsible for physically planting tree seedlings by hand in pre-determined spots in fields, forests, and other natural areas. The typical tree planting season runs from early spring to late fall, depending on the climate. Most planters work for reforestation companies and travel to tree planting sites which can be located anywhere from tiny clearings to vast wilderness. No two planting jobs are alike – you may be working alone or with a crew, camping in a remote forest for weeks or staying in town and commuting each day. Regardless of the specifics, as a tree planter you’ll spend long days outside digging holes, placing seedlings, and packing soil. It’s extremely physically demanding work! But for those who love the outdoors, each day brings new sights and experiences. Beyond the planting itself, a tree planter must be self-sufficient and skilled at living and working in a wild, rugged environment. As a tree planter, you’ll need to:

• Dig holes and plant seedlings properly at a fast pace
• Carry heavy loads of seedlings and equipment
• Navigate through densely forested areas
• camp and live outdoors, often in remote locations
• Have the stamina for 10-12 hour work days
• Work productively alone and as part of a team
• Adapt to changing weather and site conditions

It’s hard work but very gratifying to see your impact take root!

Tree Planting Jobs

Professional tree planters work for reforestation companies and non-profit conservation groups that contract for planting jobs. These organizations bid on and win contracts from government agencies and private landowners to replant forests after logging, wildfires, or land clearance. They hire planters each season to carry out the actual planting work. Jobs typically last several weeks to months and run during the spring and fall planting seasons. Most reforestation companies operate regionally rather than nationally. Tree planting jobs are most plentiful in Canada and the northwestern United States. Major tree planting regions include:

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Ontario
• Quebec
• Pacific Northwest U.S.

Planters generally don’t have a “home base” with one company, but rather follow the work as seasons and contracts dictate. It’s common for planters to move around working for different companies in different areas year to year.

While it’s possible to get occasional local planting work through government agencies, joining an established reforestation company is the best way to get steady, seasonal tree planting employment Look for companies hiring in your target region and apply well in advance of the season Previously planting experience is one of the most important factors companies look for in new recruits.

How to Become a Tree Planter

The main qualifications needed to get a job as a rookie tree planter are:

• Physical fitness – You need strength, endurance and stamina to plant up to 2,000+ trees per day and carry seedling bags weighing up to 20 kg. Planters can walk 15 km+ over steep, uneven ground daily.

• Outdoor skills – Comfort living outdoors and ability to deal with rugged, remote conditions. Experience with camping, hiking, canoeing is ideal.

• Driver’s license – Needed to drive to planting sites and company grounds.

• Basic tree care knowledge – Understanding of planting techniques, seedling care, etc. is an asset.

No background in forestry or arboriculture is required. Most companies provide training in planting methods and safety. What matters most is your physical condition and mental fortitude to take on this extremely demanding work. Companies seek planters who are self-motivated, responsible team players.

You must be physically prepared to handle long, backbreaking work days. Start training months in advance through hiking, running, strength training and any activity that builds your endurance. Planters burn 5,000 to 7,000 calories per day – you need to be in shape just to maintain energy levels. Proper nutrition and stretching helps prevent injuries. Invest in high quality outdoor gear and footwear – you’ll be living in it daily!

Once you’re physically conditioned, focus on finding job openings. The key is applying early, as most openings are filled during the off-season. Look for ads on tree planting message boards, Facebook groups, company websites, job boards, and by word-of-mouth. Many planters recommend calling companies directly if you don’t hear back -persistence pays off! Emphasize any related outdoor experience you have. If you get hired as a rookie, you’ll go through training on planting techniques. Pay close attention, work hard, and prove yourself during training to get placed on a quality planting crew.

What is it Like Working as a Tree Planter?

Life as a tree planter is like no other job. You’ll live an adventurous, nomadic lifestyle and form close bonds working alongside fellow planters. But make no mistake…it’s backbreaking work! Tree planting involves:

Early wake ups – The day starts around 5 a.m. to take advantage of cool temperatures. You’ll rise with the sun for the next 10-12 hours.

Long days – Planters log 8 to 12 hour planting days, not including breaks and commuting. Pace yourself – it’s a marathon, not a sprint!

Repetitive work – Planting the same motions hundreds or thousands of times a day takes stamina. Focus on consistency and quality.

Quota pressure – Most companies pay per tree planted, so you need to work efficiently to earn a good wage. Let your competitiveness fuel you to surpass quotas.

Isolation – You often work alone in a “plot” out of eyeshot from others. Stay focused and self-motivated.

Primitive camping – Housing can range from rustic bunkhouses to tents in the wilderness. Enjoy being immersed in nature.

Physically, it’s grueling. Mentally, it takes extreme focus to maintain quality planting at a fast pace all day long. You’ll be caked in dirt constantly. Blisters and sore muscles come with the territory. While challenging, planters also enjoy the job’s simple pleasures – campfires, starry skies, wildlife encounters, and pure air. Team camp comradery re-energizes you. Nothing beats that sense of satisfaction after a long day’s work well done.

Tree Planting Pay & Costs

Tree planters are typically paid per tree or seedling planted. The average rate is 10 to 20 cents per tree. Earnings vary greatly based on your speed, size of seedlings, terrain, and other factors. On average, planters can make $150 to $300 (CAD/USD) per day. An experienced planter working at high output can make $500+ per day.

Rookies start on the lower end of the pay scale. With practice, you can increase your planting pace and compensation. Paydays are usually every 2 weeks. Many companies deduct daily room and board fees from your wages. So while tree planting has the potential for good pay, the work is tough and costs are high – especially as a beginner. Consider it a challenging, non-traditional summer job. Income goes further once you become skilled at this specialized work.

Pros and Cons of Being a Tree Planter

Pros:

• Meaningful environmental impact
• Outdoor work, varied settings
• Good wages for seasonal work
• Adventurous, social atmosphere
• Flexible schedule, travel opportunities
• Learn specialized skillset
• Independence and solitude

Cons:

• Extremely physically demanding
• Long hours, fast monotonous pace
• No work-life balance
• Isolation and remote conditions
• High costs, moderate starting pay
• Tough living conditions
• High turnover rate

Tree planting isn’t easy, but for those seeking purposeful work and a unique life experience, the challenge is worth it. You’ll join a community of people drawn together by their shared love for the outdoors, connection to nature, and desire to heal the planet. There’s simply no other job like it.

Getting Your First Tree Planting Job

Breaking into professional tree planting is hard – but not impossible if you strategize and prepare. Here are tips to land your first job:

• Get in shape – Train starting 6 months prior so you’re physically ready. Hike or run daily, lift weights, etc.

• Buy quality gear – Invest in boots, outdoor clothing, camping items. Don’t show up unprepared.

• Research companies & apply early – Look for ads November through February and submit applications ASAP. Follow up.

• Talk to experienced planters – Join Facebook groups, talk to local planters about companies and realities of the work.

• Emphasize transferable skills – Play up any related outdoor/farm experience you have. Show you’re self-sufficient.

• Be open-minded on location – Look broadly, go wherever is hiring rookies. Get experience under your belt first.

• Attend training camps – Some companies offer multi-day crash courses – worth the investment before your first season.

• Work hard & smart as a rookie – Approach it as on-the-job training. Ask questions. Stay positive and become an invaluable teammate.

With determination and grit, you can break into this unique profession. Once you get that first season under your belt, more opportunities will open up. Before you know it, you’ll be a tree planting pro!

Get Out There and Plant Trees!

Tree planting is dirty, difficult work – and one of the most rewarding ways to directly make an environmental impact. As an outdoor lover, you get to spend days immersed in nature’s beauty. As a conservationist, you’ll restore lush habitats for wildlife and reverse damage from deforestation. And as an adventurer, you’ll form lifelong bonds with fellowplanters while road tripping across North America’s forests.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Commit to getting in shape and apply to companies today. With hard work and persistence, you can transform yourself into a professional tree planter. A life-changing experience awaits. So get out there, dig in, and plant trees!