Here is a quick and dirty introduction to tree planting.

A typical day in the life of a tree planter.

Unknown Photographer

Tree planting is a tough job with challenges like no other. Do you have what it takes to be a successful tree planter?

Photo by Hugh Stimson

If you are looking to be a planter for this upcoming season, be ready to start looking for work in January - February at the latest.

Photo of Hugh Stimson

This section has been written from our collective standpoint from being foremen, supervisory staff and managers for several good sized tree planting companies.

Photo by Hugh Stimson

What tree planting will be like for you will be largely dependent upon where you are working. Here are some working environment pictures and notes to show you a little bit more about what you can expect.

This section is presented from the West coast to the East.

Most camps consist of a cook shack, dry shack, office shack, shower shacks, privies and lots of personal tents.

Not all are in nice gravel pits like this.

Virtually everyone who goes treeplanting has either had an uncomfortable encounter with a wild animal or knows someone who has. This is inevitable; we are working in their territory, invading their space.

Depending on where you work, hazardous wildlife many include:

• Black Bears
• Grizzly Bears
• Moose
• Wolves
• Wolverines
• Cougars

Horsefly

What kinds of insects?

• Biting Flies
• Mosquitoes
• No-see-ums
• Deer/Horse Flies
• Black Flies
• Sand Flies