It was a cool morning with remnants of smoke from nearby wildfires lingering in the air. I gathered my team of tree planters and conducted a brief safety briefing. Each planter worked in the designated land section for the day.
Throughout my 12-hour shift, I hurried from planter to planter, ensuring they had tree seedlings and were planting them in the correct spots. Planters carried 13 to 18 kilograms of seedlings in their bags, planting spruce trees in an area that was clearcut a few months earlier.
On that particular day, I managed to find some time to plant trees myself. Digging holes, planting trees, and moving on to the next one, I likened my actions to an Olympic freestyle swimmer, aiming for fluid and natural movements.
Having been a tree planter for my entire adult life, each summer brings me and many others to remote Canadian wilderness areas. The annual deforestation due to logging and fires necessitates reforestation efforts, with tree planters being the workforce hired for the job.
Depending on the terrain, planters typically plant between 1,500 to 5,000 trees daily, earning a payment per tree planted. Planting 2,000 trees at 17.5 cents per tree amounts to $350 in earnings.
Starting as an 18-year-old in need of money after a trip to Southeast Asia, I was drawn to tree planting for its promise of hard work, savings, and a return to normal life. The experience of tree planting is intensive, physically and mentally, leading planters to take pride in their work.
Despite the job’s demands, I view tree planting as a temporary occupation rather than a long-term career. In 2025, I opted for a summer break on the East Coast instead of my usual tree planting routine in British Columbia.
While my time away provided relief from strenuous labor, it also allowed me to explore aspects of my identity beyond tree planting. Nonetheless, the allure of returning to the bush remains strong, considering factors like age, education, and income stability.
Tree planting, to me, embodies a quintessentially Canadian experience, unique in its scale and significance. As climate change impacts become more pronounced, tree planters witness firsthand the effects of forest fires and extreme weather events, fostering a deep connection to the land and labor.
The camaraderie and shared experiences among tree planters create a bond that outsiders may not fully grasp. The job’s challenges and rewards forge a sense of community and pride among those who have worked or are working in the field.
When I eventually move on from tree planting, I will always carry with me the title of a tree planter as a mark of honor and a symbol of personal growth and connection. Tree planting has expanded my horizons, deepened my appreciation for nature, and allowed me to explore regions of Canada I would not have encountered otherwise.
For now, my journey as a tree planter continues, as I delve deep into the bush, planting both trees and roots, literal and metaphorical.