The Pros of Working as a Tree Planter in Canada

There are Many Good Reasons to Plant Trees for Money

Apr 29, 2009

Being stuck in a bush camp might seem like a nightmare to some, but to others, tree planting is a way of life. A life of friends, fitness, and most of all, money.

On the surface, tree planting will intrigue some and repulse others. It is a good idea to stick with one's gut reaction when researching the job, because working in Canada's silviculture industry most definitely isn't for everyone.

For some people, however, tree planting is a way of life. It is a seasonal job that people return to year after year. Below are some of the "pros" to planting trees in Canada.

Planting Trees Gives You Freedom

What might initially attract some people to tree planting is the freedom of it all. The only thing you have to do is work. Someone tells you when to wake up and someone else cooks your breakfast for you. Someone drives you to work and tells you where to plant. At the end of the day, you get a ride home where you eat the food that has once again been prepared for you. Then you sleep.

Planting Lets You Live Out in Nature

On top of having everything taken care of for you, there is the appeal to some about being out in nature all day and all night. Getting to work in British Columbia means a nice view from the “office” of mountains and beautiful trees.

Planting Means Partying and Making Friends

There is also the social aspect that is a big allure to some. While there is a lot of work that needs to be done, in some camps, there is just as much partying. Partying can be what makes the tough job bearable. Often, camps will go into town on their days off and sleep in a hotel room. They will get a warm shower, a meal at a restaurant, and they will get to go out to the bar and dance if they so choose. Because crews spend 24/7 together, bonding is a very important part of the job.

Tree Planting Gets You in Shape

Doing physical labour for nine hours a day will inevitably get you in shape. Aside from bending to put the tree in the ground, your shovel arm works hard getting through the layers of soil. You are on your feet all day long, often walking up hill.

Planting Means Money

The biggest draw of tree planting, and the one that should be at the top of every prospective planter's list of reasons to plant, is the money. Like working on an oil rig, tree planting is big money. While first year planters can hope to clear around $5,000 in a two-month season (about 40 working days), veteran planters can make upwards of $15,000.

As previously stated, tree planting is not for everyone. Not only must a planter be in relatively good physical condition, it is arguably more important that the planter has a healthy and positive state of mind. As many pros as there are to tree planting, there are also many cons.

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