Seasonal Tree Planting Jobs

Spending a season, as a tree planter may be one of the most rewarding outdoor jobs you can do.

You should know now that it is hard work with long hours. At the same time you will go to bed each night with a smile on your face knowing that you're helping to save the world.

Without new trees being planted each year, life, as we know it would change drastically. Imagine life without paper or wood or forests. If you love the outdoors, spending a summer of hard work replanting the forests that you spend so much time in is a delight.

As a tree planter you will be planting trees. It sounds quite simple, but it's hard. Tree planters live in remote work camps, usually in Washington or Oregon. They are way out in the woods all summer long, often living in tents. Each morning you wake up to a brilliant sunrise, a home brewed cup of coffee, and a quick breakfast. Then you're off to the forest, where you spend your time planting.

In order to plant a tree, you first dig a small hole, plant a seed, and move on to the next tree. It sounds like easy work, but you'll be spending your time on your hands and knees in the dirt, by yourself. You do this all day long for an entire summer. When you spend that much time in the wilderness you'll be bound to see some incredible wildlife and scenery.  Working as a tree planter is pure bliss to many, but it might not be your cup of tea. If it's not, but you still want to help with reforestation efforts, there are lots of other reforestation jobs available.

Tree planters usually work for private contractors that are hired out by the government. Often these contractors are big timber companies or mom and pop groups, but once in a blue moon the government will have their own reforestation project. If you're interested in applying for one of these jobs, do an Internet search or contact the Forest Service because they'll know of the projects and who to contact directly.

Tree planting jobs pay well to very well.

But be warned that during your first season, the pay may not be everything you dreamed of. Usually tree planters are paid based on the number of trees they plant. As you can imagine, a beginning tree planter won't plant as many trees as a professional, seasoned tree planter. But everyday that you're out on the job you will improve your skills and make more money. The pay is often pennies or nickels for each tree you plant. Until you get this skill fine tuned, you may make $1,000 a month. Once you're dialed in, your paychecks will skyrocket. Some veteran tree planters make upwards of $15,000 dollars in a summer.

Tree planting is a job where you are doing what you love, spending time in Mother Nature, and feeling proud that you have helped the world.


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