The Cons of Working as a Tree Planter in Canada

There are Many Negative Aspects to Tree Planting

Apr 29, 2009

Spending the summer planting trees might sound like a fun way to make money and get in shape, but there are cons to working in reforestation which must be considered.

Two months in a tent in Canada's wilderness might sound like an ideal living condition to an outdoor enthusiast. If that same person also happened to enjoy hard labour, tree planting in Canada might just be a dream come true. But, before strapping on planting bags and tying up heavy-duty boots, it is first important to consider some of the "cons" to planting trees in this country.

Tree Planting is Hard Work

This is truly something a person must see to believe. There is nothing a person could say to prepare a first-time planter for the scary world they are about to enter. The days are long (sometimes nine hours). And there is no taking a rain check. Planters work in all kinds of weather conditions and often end up a muddy mess by the end of the day.

While seedlings (baby trees) are relatively small, about 5–15 inches long, carrying hundreds of them at a time on your hips can get heavy. Seeing as planters are paid per tree, it is important to work quickly, while also maintaining a high standard of quality which will be monitored by your boss and the contracting company.

Freedom Still Means Waiting for Your Boss

Even though a tree planter has little responsibility, he is still at the mercy of his boss. A tree planting motto is "hurry up and wait," because a planter has to wait for trees, instructions, and to be driven to work and picked up from work. Planters with their own vehicles are at an advantage on days off as they can regain a little independence.

Lack of Privacy in Tree Planting Camps

Much like high school, there can be a serious lack of privacy in a bush camp. The smaller a camp is, the more gossip tends to go around. Of course, it is possible to stay out of some of the gossip, like any community, it is necessary and important to socialize with other members, which often results in an entire camp knowing your every move.

Nature Can Be Dangerous

British Columbia, where the majority of reforestation takes place, is home to both Black Bears and Grizzly Bears. There are precautions and techniques that can be employed when working in bear country, but the mere thought of the sometimes deadly creatures hanging around can be enough to put people off working in the industry. Bugs are another problem for planters, especially in Ontario.

The First Year of Planting is an Investment

The list of what a planter needs is long and expensive. There are many things so specific to the industry that must be bought before heading out to the job. Click here for a list of essentials. There is also a learning curve, which means many people do not reach a good speed until towards the end of the first year.

There are many negative aspects to consider when applying for a tree planting job. Those who do decide to tree plant realize there are also many pros to working as a tree planter.

The copyright of the article The Cons of Working as a Tree Planter in Canada in Reforestation is owned by Jenn Hardy. Permission to republish The Cons of Working as a Tree Planter in Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.