A tree planter? Is that possible?
Indeed, there is, and we at NIKIN are extremely happy about it. Tree planters are people who plant trees – full-time or part-time. How does one get into working as a tree planter? What does the work involve? What does a daily routine look like for these amazing people who are restoring forests around the world?
We looked into the matter and can tell you a little bit about it.
How do you become a tree planter?
Well, it's not really a skilled trade. Most planters come into contact with the job through acquaintances or partners, because the companies that plant trees hardly hire "beginners" anymore. After a few days and weeks as a newbie, with aching bones and muscles and in the large "family" of colleagues, you eventually begin to love the work. Being outside. In nature. Doing something meaningful. However, many planters agree that you have to keep an eye on the financial aspect. For many, the first "season" isn't worth it; beginners are simply not nimble enough to plant a tree. But from the second season onwards, it becomes increasingly worthwhile. Because, despite all the idealism, you have to be able to make a living from it.
Where do tree planters actually work?
Essentially, reforestation activities are taking place worldwide, albeit on a more or less extensive scale. Canada is particularly prominent in this area, with extensive activities in places like British Columbia and the province of Ontario. Because the areas of activity are spread across the globe, tree planters can be permanently employed—if they so choose. However, many of them work seasonally for two to four months.
The everyday life of a tree planter
A normal working day for a tree planter starts very early – often at five o'clock. For the Canadian tree planters, this means getting up in freezing temperatures, even in spring and summer. After a sumptuous two-hour buffet breakfast, it's off to the luxury bus... wait, stop, that was just a joke! The average tree planter makes sure they get breakfast and a coffee, because it's time to start collecting at six o'clock. Beforehand, you have to make sure you pack everything you need for the day: water, lunch, sunscreen, rain gear, planting gloves... you have to get into a routine. Because tree planters are always working. Whether it's raining, hailing, snowing, or the sun is blazing down. Newbies quickly learn to tie their shoelaces with tape so they don't have to keep tying them, and to wrap their fingers with tape inside their work gloves. You also have to get used to the elements and the wildlife. It is perfectly normal that you are usually accompanied by insects; in some parts of the world the fauna can even be larger – Canadian tree planters can expect curious brown bears to look over their shoulders.
Buses distribute the emergency workers to their stations in the morning. Usually, groups of 30 to 40 tree planters work together, deployed in teams of two. Together with the trees. Many trees. While beginners are proud and happy if they plant 100 trees a day, experienced planters manage significantly more—600 trees, for example.
A tough job for the environment
It's understandable that you're tired in the evening. Nevertheless, many tree planters—and these are people who work for a living, not out of idealism—feel that they're making an important contribution. That their work helps minimize environmental damage.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the job, however, is learning to overcome enormous challenges. Newcomers who struggle with body aches and pains in the first few days feel at the end of the season that they've proven something to themselves. It's hard, difficult work, carried out in all weather conditions. A backbreaking job. Those who stick with it love it. When they temporarily go "home" to the city, they miss the trees, the sound of the wind in the branches, the immediacy of the weather, and the harmony with nature. The feeling of being grounded.
Tree planter – an important unknown job
Why should we plant more trees? Trees are important. They provide us with clean, oxygen-rich air and provide us and numerous animal species with a natural habitat. Trees counteract soil erosion and the greenhouse effect. We leave trees to our children.
Experienced tree planters have planted more than half a million trees in their careers. We thank them for that!
