Tree Planting FAQ

Each year, we grow and plant 15 to 20 million seedlings made up of eight different species. These seedlings have been carefully selected across the region from vigorous trees growing naturally in the forest. This commitment guarantees a sustainable wood supply for generations. Since our company began its planting program almost 60 years ago we have planted over 1 billion trees – a national record in Canada.

 

To learn more about tree planting, click on one of the questions below.

 

• How much money will I make and what are the hours?

  Each crew consists of one crew foreman, one tree care operations assistant and 10-12 planters. The crews work three days on and one day off for the season. Each planter will be paid for their individual production by the number of trees they plant each day, at $0.12 per tree. Each planter, on average, plants 2,000 seedlings per day. 

  Tree care positions offer $1,125 per week, and crew foremen will make up to $1,375 per week, depending on prior experience.

  Working hours can vary; however, typically the crews work from 5 a.m. to mid-afternoon. 

• I’ve heard tree planting is hard work – how strenuous is it?

  Silviculture foresters say tree planting requires more energy than any other forestry job. “After a summer tree planting a person has the stamina and the muscles as if they had spent every day in a conditioning gym program. They are ready to play soccer, hockey or any sport.”

  It takes about a week for the body and mindset to be able to meet the challenge and get into the rhythm of planting. Workers have to be up early, ready to travel to the site and begin planting when the sun comes up. The workday varies but will often end mid-afternoon with the heat of the day. Although it may sound like a short day, it is filled with black flies, heat, walking over rough terrain, bending and carrying seedling trays or bags and carrying a metal planting tool. You can see why they have to stay focused.

   

• What do I wear? Will the company provide equipment?

   

  Planters must wear their own CSA certified steel toe boots. They are advised to wear a hat because many hours are spent in the direct sun light. As well, black flies are thick in May and June and are attracted to exposed ears and necks; be sure to bring bug spray!

  Other things planters should bring with them or wear are:
    - CSA certified steel toe boots
    - T-shirt
    - Hat
    - Rain gear
    - Sun block
    - Bug spray
    - Lunch and snacks
    - Lots of water! (4 to 8 litres per day)

   

• How do I get there?

  Transportation arrangements may vary by area however typically vans will transport the planters to and from the site.

• Where do I stay?

  Our current structure for the crews will be five community-based crews and five camp-based crews.

  Community-based crews will return to their homes each night. Locations for the community-based crews are in the areas of Fredericton, Sussex, Saint George, and the Kennebecasis Valley.

  Accommodations and meals for tree care operations assistants and crew foremen are free, and for tree planters they are $25 per day. 

• Where and how are the trees planted?

  Tree planting is done in New Brunswick in 1- to 2-year-old harvest areas and approximately 1,800 trees are planted per hectare.

  Trees are planted manually using a planting tool called a pottiputki.  Planting teams are typically 10-12 people.  A supervisor checks the quality and spacing of the planting every day. If there are rocks or puddles, the spacing tightens as the planter finds another growing spot. The quality supervisor ensures seedlings are securely in the ground with the roots covered. If seedlings are dropped or if their roots are not covered, they will dry out and die.