Essential Gear List for Tree Planting Work
Special Equipment is Needed When Planting Trees in Canada
Apr 30, 2009
Tree Planting Gear
You are at your tree planting camp to work, so most important is the gear needed to actually do the job.
- Planting bags which are most often made up of two 14" side bags for trees, and one at the back to store extra layers and water, as well as a pouch at the front for flagging tape
- Silvicool sacks to be placed inside the bags to keep trees fresh
- Shovel – The shovels needed to do the job are speciality shovels that unfortunately cannot be nicked from a parent's house
- Heavy duty boots – It is important to buy good quality hiking boots that will support your ankles. You will be on your feet all day, so make sure they are comfortable and waterproof. Some areas will demand specialty cork boots.
- Quick-dry pants
- Layers of work shirts (quick-dry or wicking is best)
- Sun Hat, Glasses and Sun Screen
- Gaiters – Very important to keep sticks from jabbing you in the legs and from rocks getting inside your boots
- Music player – Optional, but very handy
Some companies, depending on location will request things like hard hats and reflective vests. Companies may provide flagging tape and plot chords.
Sleeping in Tree Planting Camp
It is important to get the best rest possible. Some essentials include:
- Tent – a big tent with vestibule is ideal
- Bed – an air mattress is important
- Sleeping Bag – Though synthetic bags don't pack up well, they are far better in a possibly damp situation
- Warm Pyjamas
Days Off When Planting Trees
Day-off clothes can seem more important than the clothes you work in. A big part of the tree planting package is social time, which often means going into town, out to a club or pub. It's nice to have fresh clothes and shoes to wear to make you feel human again.
Food and Drink
It is essential to have containers to carry water and food. Many planters carry a litre or two of water in their back bag and refill from their larger 10 litre container when they head back to the cash to refill their planting bags with trees. Some people purchase a tough Thermos-type water container, others a collapsible thin plastic water jug,or bladder, but easiest and cheapest is to get a large juice jug and fill it with water once you've downed the juice.
Lunches are usually packed after breakfast in a strong lunch box or container, big enough to fit a sandwich or two, some fruit, and a muffin or cookie.
Planters also need a bag to take lunch and clothing layers to the “block". An old knapsack does the trick, but because of weather conditions a dry sack is a good idea.
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