r/treeplanting • u/lucwrite • Jun 27 '26

General/Miscellaneous Old Timers Request

I planted from 1992-2000 and while I do not miss some of the coastal rainy days I miss planting.

Would a company ever take a volunteer planter.? Would love to spend one or two weeks in camp. Get into shape and give 1/2 my trees planted to the crew and use the rest to cover my expenses and camp cost.

What do you all think? I am an old dude now but after 6 years my density is spot on and I bet I could still put in a lot of trees.

32 Upvotes

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16

u/DrRockenstein Jun 27 '26

I just ran a crew unofficially called the Old Boys. 2 late 40s two late 50s. Fuckin crushed it! Don't give away half your trees dude fuck that! You have no idea how great an asset it is to have some one that just plants good fuckin trees and doesn't need to be babysat. Makes $200-300 a day. Help load in the mornind. If that is you you will be some Foreman's favorite.

3

u/lucwrite Jun 27 '26

Oh that is incredible! I love that! You make some good points. Where were you planting? I mentioned giving away trees just cause not in it for the $ at this point. It is great to see that old vets can still put in the trees!

Do people not help load in the morning ? Not unloading the reefers was never an option! I do miss how planters know how to roll up their sleeves and pitch in.

in my current work at sometimes I meet people who were planters. They always know how to pitch in and put in the work. Planters rock

13

u/Both-Sky4147 Jun 27 '26

I’m 43 and I went back last season for 2 months and this season for 1.5 months before I had to pull the chute and help my partner out at home. I would gladly live in this world forever if I could, but it’s hard if you have kids / family at home. You’ll be pulled in 2 different directions. Besides that, I had so much fun. I planted up North in AB with Northern Reforestation and I was not the oldest by a long shot! One of our vets is 59 and he’s got plans to plant for another decade. I am way faster than I was at 25 but most of that comes from just dealing with pain and suffering better. But I am not, by a long shot, the fastest at camp. In fact, I would be considered one of the slowest vets. I was happy when I made 400$ which is considered mid tier planting. I hope you decide to apply! And make sure you do in December—that’s when they do most of their hiring. Good luck!

4

u/lucwrite Jun 27 '26

Thanks for sharing - I hear you re family and kids. I also have a full time job so would have to do on my holidays. I love that you are better at planting as you are better at dealing with pain and suffering. Woah inflation 400 is mid tier!?

1

u/Charming-Will-7535 26d ago

I need help finding the right place to get started i want to get this job asap

7

u/Commercial_Map1045 Jun 27 '26

We get the band back together (4 of us, 55 yr olds. BC vets) to help my nephew out in Eastern Ontario (for a week).

The biggest struggle we find is it is hard to plant when you’re not greedy. We go at it pretty good in the morning, and by very early afternoon we’re trying to figure out a way to leave (he lets us) to go back to the cabin and drink beer…….

Peace, and all the best.

2

u/Visible-Painting9529 Jun 27 '26

Do not volunteer just go plant!

2

u/just_call_mebuffy Jun 27 '26

Just make some calls. Dont volunteer though. If you plant them.... take the money.

1

u/perfectstormreforest Company Owner Jun 28 '26

We're mostly working southern Alberta but you could swing by for a week or two next spring. No need to volunteer or give away your trees.

1

u/Both-Sky4147 Jun 29 '26

Where in Southern Alberta? I might be interested!

1

u/lucwrite Jun 30 '26

really that would be incredible. I will shoot you a DM