What a Tree Planting Job in Canada is Like

Tree Planters Sleep in a Tent and Eat Great Food

Apr 29, 2009

Before taking the decision to work in the silviculture industry, it is important to know what to expect as far as food, accommodation, and start date.

Deciding to work as a tree planter is not a decision to be taken lightly. Every season companies see a number of “rookies” (first-year planters) go home because they simply can't hack it. Tree planting can be a lot of fun, but it's mostly really hard work.

The Tree Planting Season

The tree planting season varies from area to area. Trees are often planted at high elevations, which means the ground can stay frozen even into the month of May. The season typically runs May to the end of July, give or take. Exceptions are often made for students who may need to start the season late.

Where Tree Planters Sleep

The most common accommodation for tree planters is in a personal tent, in a bush camp of 20 to 40 people. It is recommended that you buy a good quality tent that will protect you from the elements. This will be your home for the next two or three months. Also, the bigger the better. Within reason, of course, but keep in mind that you will need to store your personal belongings in the tent, and those belongings can get pretty dirty. A tent with a vestibule is ideal.

Some people bring small, self-inflating mattresses, others bring foam (though if your tent is leaky a super-absorbent foam will be ready for the garbage.) It is important to be as comfortable as possible when you sleep. Even if it might seem a bit bulky,having a good pillow is well worth it.

What Tree Planters Eat

If it wasn't for all the hard work, it would be worth going planting just for the food. Of course, meals vary from cook to cook and company to company, but in general, you are expected to work hard, and to do that you need lots of energy which comes from good food. And lots of it. Breakfast is served early, allowing planters enough time to pack their own lunch which is often a long table of different breads and sandwich fillers, fruit, and a sugary treat. Dinner can be lasagne, pasta, stir fry, soup and salad. Whatever it is, dinner is usually plentiful.

Vegetarians, vegans and people with food allergies are accommodated for, but the less picky you are, the better. The best thing about it is it's all cooked for you.

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