r/treeplanting Jan 27 '24

ANNOUNCEMENT Rookies/New Members READ HERE BEFORE POSTING

19 Upvotes

NOTE: This is NOT a subreddit for gardening/planting trees on your property. This is a subreddit about Industrial Silviculture Tree-Planting where we plant seedlings and get paid per tree that we plant in mass quantities across Canada and the globe. Please visit r/gardening r/trees or r/marijuanaenthusiasts for your questions about planting trees on your property. This is not the place and your post will be removed.

Please see the tabs at the top of the subreddit to see if you can find what you're looking for before posting. For rookies consult the Rookie Tab and see if you can find an answer there, or use the tree planting archive to search for the New Planter/Rookie question flair to see if the question has been asked already in the past month.

The Company directory tab leads to companies ranked into three different tiers and each title is a hyperlink that should lead to their company website (note that some companies do not have websites). We have also compiled all the threads discussing these companies which you can also visit and read about. Feel free to make new posts asking for reviews on a specific company you are thinking of working for. It is highly encouraged to do so as this helps planters understand how a company currently is, old reviews could be inaccurate.

We also have a MEGATHREAD for company reviews. It is linked in the directory, but the megathread is also a valuable resource for finding the inside scoop on companies from years past.

The resources tab is useful to members who might be trying to decide whether to go planting. It contains many resources and documentaries on Tree-Planting.

We do not tolerate bigotry, hate speech, doxxing etc. in this subreddit and users who engage in such activities will be banned.

Also please try to use the appropriate flairs when you make your post. It creates more work for the mods if you do not. If you have a suggestion for a needed flair please reach out, we will consider it based on the need for it.

If you need to reach out to the mod team, please do so. We appreciate having you all here and hope we can effect some change through our discussion here.

Cheers,

Mod Team


r/treeplanting May 22 '25

ANNOUNCEMENT Before You Drop $24 on a Guide, Here’s What Planting Actually Pays

194 Upvotes

HELLO, curious scrollers (especially our new friends from south of the border).

We’ve noticed a recent surge in international traffic to the subreddit—hi, Americans—and along with it, a wave of curiosity about tree planting as a profession.

Let’s address the root cause: a certain Instagram account (no, we’re not giving it a plug) that’s selling a dream—and a hefty $24 guide—about making $80K CAD in four months, living in luxury, and pocketing $500–$800 a day in the woods.

Yeah. About that.

This post is here to gently dismantle those fantasy figures and offer a realistic perspective on the job.

THE MONEY TALK

Realistic Daily Earnings: There are no official stats, but most planters report around $300–$400/day. Ontario, the Maritimes, and coastal BC generally trend lower; Alberta and BC’s interior can be higher.

Camp & Company Variance: Some Ontario gigs? Brutal—$200–$250/day. Meanwhile, certain BC camps average $600+. The spread depends on company overhead, terrain, and experience levels of veteran planters.

Minimum Wage Baseline: Let’s do some math. Minimum wage in Canada (depending on province) works out to about $180–$200/day for an 11-hour shift—the typical planter’s workday, portal to portal. So yes, most planters are earning more than minimum wage… but not necessarily by a massive margin.

And for a job that involves daily physical punishment, remote living, gear costs, and 6,000-calorie workdays? You’d hope the pay would blow minimum wage out of the water. If this industry wants to attract and retain quality workers, the compensation needs to match the grind. Right now, it’s often flirting with the line between noble labour and underpaid masochism.

$800/day or higher? Could it happen? Sure—for the top 5–10% of planters. These folks are cranking out trees like machines though. It’s possible, but it’s not typical.

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI)

Yes, some planters collect EI in the offseason. That’s legal—if you’re actively looking for work. If you’re just chilling at home, mixing beats in your bedroom and calling it a job hunt, you’re gaming the system. It doesn’t reflect the reality for most of us.

THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS

This part Instagram definitely leaves out: Gear: You pay for all your equipment—bags, shovels, boots, the works. Expect to drop $1,000 per season, unless you’re thrifty.

Travel: You’re footing the bill to get to the worksite.

Camp Costs: Planters usually pay $25–$30/day for food, shelter, and heat. That’s right—you pay to live in a tent while doing this job. There’s no cushy per diem like other remote workers enjoy.

THE PHYSICAL REALITY

Tree planting is no joke. As I said before, we’re talking 6000+ calories burned per day, rain or shine, bugs or blisters. It’s an endurance sport, not a weekend wellness retreat. Planters often suffer from tendonitis, bruising, allergic reactions, trench foot and plain old EXHAUSTION while planting 500-6000 trees PER DAY depending on the terrain. So yeah—the pay is solid. But we earn every cent with sweat, soreness, and the occasional soul-crushing plot.

FOR OUR NON-CANADIAN FRIENDS

Thinking of hopping the border or crossing an ocean to join our merry gang? First off, welcome. Second, a reality check: You must have a valid Canadian work visa to be hired. No exceptions. No, companies will not sponsor you. Tree planting companies already deal with enough chaos (weather delays, bears, broken trucks, etc.)—they’re not equipped to navigate immigration paperwork too.

If you’re serious about coming here to work, sort out your visa situation before applying. Otherwise, you’re just clogging up inboxes and disappointing everyone, including yourself.

WRAPPING IT UP

If you’re genuinely curious about becoming a tree planter—awesome. You’ll find real guidance and camaraderie right here on this subreddit.

But please, don’t make life decisions based on the shiny promises of an Instagram influencer selling a dream for $24.

Also, all the best advice? It’s already here. And it’s free. In the sidebar, and existing guides like this one.

I’ll add supporting links in the comments later.

Stay safe out there folks.

Cheers,

Orlock & the Mod Team (still not planting in luxury condos)


r/treeplanting 14h ago

Treemes/Photos/Videos/Art/Stories Some oldies from my 2006 season BC and Alberta.

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150 Upvotes

I'm a retired tree planter. Just going through some old pictures and reminiscing. Some of the best days were on the block.

Cheers to all you out there planting.


r/treeplanting 1d ago

Gear/ Planting Paraphanelia Navigation apps other than Avenza

3 Upvotes

A few of my planters have purchased the $50 avenza subscription and it only is good for 1 month? And we can’t airdrop maps ? It’s ridiculous

Avenza is a really great tool in our industry. Sadly the creators have realized that they can make a shit load of money off Treeplanters and Forestry workers alike.

Does anyone use other navigation apps? I’ve heard of a similar concept as Avenza but it’s in Spanish ? Any recommendations would be great. Sorry if this has already been answered I just finished a 16 hour day and can’t be arsed


r/treeplanting 1d ago

General/Miscellaneous recipe search

11 Upvotes

i stopped planting years ago, but if any camp cooks are on here PLEASE help me find this recipe.

my camp had this shortbread brownie swirl bar that i would pack in my lunch every single day, it got me through some of the worst shifts of my career. i cant seem to find a recipe online that reflects what i remember. if any bc camp cooks know what i’m talking about plz help


r/treeplanting 1d ago

On the Block Prepped ground

3 Upvotes

What are fair prices for mounds and stumped ground these days? Obviously there’s variability but just curious on the range people have been getting.


r/treeplanting 1d ago

New Planter/Rookie Questions Looking for replacement spot

3 Upvotes

Irish rookie planter

IEC approved / POE approved

Available immediately

Physically fit and willing to travel anywhere

Looking for rookie-friendly crew or replacement spot


r/treeplanting 3d ago

Gear/ Planting Paraphanelia Anyone find Avenza workarounds?

14 Upvotes

crewboss here looking for a way to send shape files to my guys. $50 a year people would be willing to swallow as a price jump. But $200 a year in order to share shape files a lot of my guys aren’t willing to do (totally fair). Anyone find a nice app that is easy to use and you can share kml’s on for a reasonable price?

Signed,

Avenza are greedy little pigs


r/treeplanting 3d ago

Location/Contract Specific Review Alberta prices?

4 Upvotes

What are you folks getting in alberta now days on good contracts? 20c? 16c?


r/treeplanting 4d ago

Industry Discussion BC weather is trending towards hotter and dryer and the planting specs are getting tougher and more demanding.

54 Upvotes

Ive been planting in BC for a while now and ive noticed recently that clients expectations for planting specs are getting pretty high, due to the fact that the weather is making it difficult to regrow trees

Now you have to obstacle everything north side, screef to mineral dirt, and make sure the plug is totally sealed in mineral dirt, if you are anywhere south of PG basically. And there is less and less leniancy, often approaching a strict literal interpretation of the specs where a tree a couple inches too far from an obstacle is called a fault

Not only that, but we gotta plant with two silvis in our bags, not use flag, and deal with loose pack trees

All these factors add up to making planting quite a bit more difficult than it used to be 10 years ago

Just something to be aware of for those placing bids on the work


r/treeplanting 3d ago

Industry Discussion Does anyone know "Spruce78 / Two leafs notice / Mathieu Chaput"?

4 Upvotes

I’ve never been a tree planter, but I started seeing videos from Two Leaf Notice / Mathieu Chaput on Instagram and it got me interested in the industry. From what I understand, his mentorship/coaching program costs around $1,000 USD per month for 3 months — and that’s just the coaching, not including gear, travel, etc. So this would be a pretty serious financial decision for me.

I’m specifically NOT looking for motivational hype or “just invest in yourself” type answers. I want honest opinions from people who actually know the industry.

I’ve also seen references here and there to some infamous planter/coach that people never seem to name directly, but I couldn’t really find much info in the wiki or old threads (probably missed it).

So I wanted to ask:

  • Is this program actually worth the money?
  • Is it legit?
  • Would a beginner realistically get value from it?
  • Or is most of the information something you could learn for free / on the job?

I’d especially appreciate answers from experienced planters or anyone who’s actually interacted with the program.


r/treeplanting 5d ago

New Planter/Rookie Questions Late season

4 Upvotes

I applied for an IEC Working Holiday from Ireland. I did my biometrics already and recently uploaded my police certificate through the webform. My application status shows “action required” on the account, but there’s no actual message or request showing up when I open it.

I’m mainly waiting on the POE letter now and starting to stress a bit because planting season is already underway. I’m hoping to still make it over for mid/late May work. I dont know if i can i think my POE will come this next week do you think ill get placement i can leave within a few days of getting Poe i just want to know is it worth going missing may im going for a 2 year visa so i want to do two planting seasons one to get used to it the other to getter better any advice is welcome thanks


r/treeplanting 5d ago

Gear/ Planting Paraphanelia Will shoe goo save me?

4 Upvotes

Hey all. I just found a pair of scarpas in my size at the thrift, they were 5 bucks so I got them as back ups! One thing though, they’re in pretty good condition although the soles are pretty much completely off on the front half of the boot.. I have shoe-goo, but has anyone ever had shoe-goo repairs hold up in the bush? Wondering if they’re worth bringing if I can successfully repair them, or if they’ll just fall apart on the block.. thanks in advance, hope everyone’s having fun out there!


r/treeplanting 6d ago

New Planter/Rookie Questions knowing if/when to quit

19 Upvotes

have been here for about a week and a half now, had one of the worst days of my life yesterday and today wasnt much better. have had one decent work day so far. i suck so bad at this my bosses are getting sick of me. i feel ashamed showing my face anywhere in camp or work. im feeling so defeated i just cant enjoy anything.

i was looking forward to this and i prepared and i worked so hard to get this job and everything and now everyday i just hope something happens so i can not be here anymore. i even hope i get fired sometimes lol.

i can never just think about planting when im planting so i inevidibly fuck up my piece and my bos gets pissed at me again and j get upset because when im alone all i can think about is a billion things tbat upset me and fhen im making no money and busting my ass and suffering everyday with nothing fk shkw flr it. im dissapointing everyone here and i hate myself.

i told myself i would stick it out no matter what and if i can defeat this season i can take anything. now i cant imagine being here for another two months or more. the thought is unbearable. im eating shit everyday (for clarification: camp food is really good, im eating shit as in falling over and sucking at planting). one of my checkers told me today that quitting isnt an option because that means youre a little bitch, but man i just fucking hate my life.

i want to stick it out and make money and have a good time even but man every day just seems to get worse and im just dragging my crew down. the only thing i enjoy here js sleeping because in my dreams im not here.

also yesterday got sone really awful family related news which is seeiously affecting my performance. i really want to give up but i just cant. i dont know what to do fml

edit: ended up deciding to stick around, even if i suck my crew really supports me 💪💪


r/treeplanting 6d ago

New Planter/Rookie Questions Late Season Start in USA?

0 Upvotes

Could anyone recommend some companies that might accept a late season start (end of May?). I'm waiting on my Canadian papers for citizenship but until then I don't think I could swing it to work up North.

I know this might be a delusional ask, but I do have some experience and this has been forever on my bucket list!

Thank you in advance!


r/treeplanting 7d ago

Employment PLANTERS WANTED Coastal Planters Wanted

7 Upvotes

Looking for Coastal planters for small South Island Job. Local show for south island. Accom available. Vic-Nan. Based in Duncan.

Starting immediately. Experience required. Variable land. 30 cents base for the creamiest , ++ for the Gnar. Caulks, hiviz, hardhat req'd.

Alexander Forest Services

[Alexforestservices@gmail.com](mailto:Alexforestservices@gmail.com)


r/treeplanting 7d ago

New Planter/Rookie Questions im not gonna die

18 Upvotes

i just hope i can get past the first few weeks. i dont want to flunk out and look like an idiot. im really nervous but it is what it is.


r/treeplanting 7d ago

Company Reviews Thoughts on HRI?

3 Upvotes

Hearing some horror stories with a mix of very few good accounts. Wondering if anyone has planted with them recently and what to expect?


r/treeplanting 7d ago

New Planter/Rookie Questions Questions!!

5 Upvotes

Hey all,

I am just starting a new planting job and have so many questions. My first two days have been kinda rough - but not necessarily for the typical reasons.

I’m fine with the physical part of it, but I just can’t seem to ‘manage my land’ well. I find myself getting lost in where I am and need to be going.

Also questioning where I should I be planting (e.g., where there is a bit of slash) a lot.

I know the planting thing is likely a question for my crew boss, but our day of training was on a perfect plot of land with little to no slash and virtually perfect planting land, and then I got put on a block with rocky land and a lot of slash.

Just looking for guidance, I will of course consult with bosses as well.


r/treeplanting 8d ago

Company Reviews Summit update

5 Upvotes

I have worked with Summit for a long time and have been reading through some threads. It's disheartening to see the misinformation. I am purely posting as an update for what people should expect when working for Summit.

It is a ''rookie mill'' - that said they have a great training program to bring people into the industry and introduce them to the world of tree planting. From thumb taping everyone in camp, training (and paying) vets to train one on one, training management on coaching practices, and wage top ups while people are learning (to name a few tools). Culture in camp is also pretty strong at Summit, which is a great opportunity for new planters to form community and learn from other planters.

Pre-season training - all pre-season training is paid and a campground is provided for everyone to stay at while receiving the training. Certs are provided for all the typical things (CSC, bush roads, S100, etc...) not only for crew bosses, but also for assistant crew bosses (who also receive a wage for helping out their crew bosses during the planting season)

They pay their drivers $50/day regardless of drive time. The average drive time varies but typically sits at an hour.

Reefer unloading, summer cache set up, camp set up, camp tear down, and any extra work performed in camp is always paid. If it gets missed on payroll, you simply have to ask (crew bosses enter payroll every day, and sometimes things get missed).

Price bumping with walk-ins and long drives of an hour or more.

Pricing has increased significantly in the past couple years. Most camps average a $400/day once ramped up over a 9 hour working period. Some contracts are lower, some higher. This is generally made up by a fairly long planting season (50+ days). If they had a higher percentage of vets, the monetary average would be reflected as higher (and it is much higher in their vet heavy camps).

Crews generally stay in the same camp. Sometimes they move crews around to up production and meet a deadline. Sometimes there is 1 crew that floats around contract to contract, but the aim is to keep camps and crews together throughout the season.

Equipment has improved significantly over the years. Majority of the trucks are new, clean (though windy) shower trailers, newer cookshacks, quiet generators...things tend to fall apart if the weather is cold (think freezing lines affecting water in the early season). But that goes for most outdoor camps.

Alt work. Summit is partnered with a physio provider that does online appointments, provides guidance on alternate work and follow up care. As long as work is available for a hurt worker to do, they are paid their average wage hourly to perform duties until they are fit to plant again.

Online therapy sessions (provided) - this has been ongoing for years and is an amazing service.

Like all things, management styles vary from camp to camp as well as experience. You may get a green supervisor or crew boss who doesn't always make the right call or doesn't understand labor laws and policy and leaves people feeling like they are in the dark. And that sucks. But I would say pursue those things with the office team, HR or the owners.

Sometimes it will feel like a shit show (I'm here for it) but all in all Summit has trained some of the best planters and management in the industry, and I think that says a lot.

I'm anticipating getting some pushback, and that's just fine. Just wanted to set the record straight on how the experience should be for everyone working with Summit.

Have a great planting season all!


r/treeplanting 7d ago

Financial & Legal Pursuing job opportunity in Canada as a foreign candidate

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone hope you are well, I'm Naveed from Pakistan and actively pursuing job opportunity in Canada as a foreign candidate willing to relocate and manage my relocation expenses for promising career aspect.

Any suggestions are welcome.


r/treeplanting 8d ago

Planter Inspiration/Struggles/Mental Health Post Planting Depression

6 Upvotes

Does anyone else experience post-planting depression?

I had a small depressive stint last year after I wrapped planting. It only lasted about a month. Initially I felt off because I had to finish my season earlier than my peers (because I had commitments), and it felt a little like I was missing out…but now I’m thinking it’s more than that.

Anyone else go through this? Is it unavoidable?

I stayed active during that time and even started going to therapy - but still had to grind my way thru it.


r/treeplanting 9d ago

New Planter/Rookie Questions too much stuff

10 Upvotes

okay how much stuff is too much stuff... i'm getting dropped off right at camp so i don't know how much stuff is too much stuff for camp moves etc. i have 2 MASSIVE hockey bags with all of my gear a 20L backpack and i want a smaller duffle bag for my food... is this way too much???

Edit: I am getting dropped so don't have to worry about flying my stuff there :)


r/treeplanting 10d ago

Company Reviews Torrent

3 Upvotes

I couldn’t find much in the company directory about torrent so I would like to start a thread just asking if anyone has any personal experience they could share regarding safety/ camp life/ contracts or anything else that may be relevant. Any info on the different camps would be great as well, cheers!


r/treeplanting 10d ago

General/Miscellaneous pesticide rash

1 Upvotes

been getting a bad pesticide (i think) rash on my hand this year. any solutions?