Is Tree Planting Work Very Difficult?

Tree planting (reforestation) is a popular form of seasonal employment among many university students in Canada, especially among those that want to make money during the summer vacation in order to pay for their education and yearly expenses. At the same time, tree planting is extremely difficult physical work, and it requires a great deal of discipline, fitness and a good bill of health.

Most tree planting occurs in western Canada between late April and early September. People who choose this line of employment will live with other tree planters at a camp in the wilderness and will have to wake-up every morning at 6am. After a quick breakfast, tree planters are taken out by van to the site that they are expected to work on for the day and each person is given a plot of land where they are to plant a set number of trees. Most planters will work 8 to 9 hour days, with barely a break in between.

In April and May, northern parts of Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia can be very cold and damp, while in June and July they tend to be hot and humid, with temperatures soaring to 35C. As a result, tree planters must be willing to work in all conditions.

Tree planting also involves carrying a heavy load of trees to be planted, such as up to 20lb at a time. Additionally, the presence of black flies, horse files and mosquitoes make the situation even more challenging.

If you're doing tree planting for a volunteer organisation such at the BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) then it's some what easier. This most commonly involves planting  saplings which will one day become the woods and forests of the future. It's still hard work though and can be quite back breaking. It will involve plotting a grid on the land first and then planting in a wide range of trees - ensuring an even mix of trees. Very rewarding work it is too. Especially when you come back few years later to see a small wood is growing strong!