How Much Can You Make Tree Planting in BC?

Tree planting is an attractive option for students and outdoor enthusiasts in British Columbia, Canada. This physically demanding and challenging job is also known as silviculture, and involves growing, maintaining, and harvesting trees in a sustainable manner. The tree planting season typically lasts from late April to mid-September, during which hundreds of workers are hired to replant clear-cut forests or plant new trees on unused land. But how much can you make tree planting in BC? The answer is not straightforward as it depends on several factors.

The Basic Pay and Piecework System

In general, tree planters in BC are paid according to a combination of hourly wage and piecework system, which means workers are paid based on how many trees they plant rather than how many hours they work. The current minimum wage for tree planters in BC is $15.20/hour, which is higher than the provincial minimum wage of $14.60/hour. However, most experienced tree planters can make much more than the minimum wage due to their speed and skills.

The piecework rate varies depending on the location, difficulty, and size of the planting project. For example, the average piecework rate for a large-scale operation in BC ranges from $0.15 to $0.25 per tree, while for a smaller operation it can be as high as $0.50 per tree. Therefore, a tree planter who plants 2,000 trees per day at a piecework rate of $0.20 per tree can earn $400 in a day or $2,000 in a five-day week, in addition to the hourly wage.

Bonuses, Deductions, and Other Benefits

Tree planting companies in BC also offer various bonuses and deductions to incentivize workers and ensure quality work. One common bonus is the seedling bonus, which is an additional payment for planting a certain number of trees above the daily quota. The seedling bonus can range from $0.01 to $0.10 per tree, depending on the company and project. For instance, a planter who exceeds the daily quota by 200 trees and receives a seedling bonus of $0.05 per tree can earn an extra $10 for that day.

On the other hand, deductions are also made for poor planting quality, injuries, or damage to equipment. These deductions can range from $0.10 to $1.00 per tree and can significantly affect a planter's earnings. Therefore, it's important to maintain high-quality planting standards, follow safety protocols, and avoid careless mistakes.

Moreover, some tree planting companies in BC offer additional benefits such as free accommodation, meals, transportation, and medical insurance. These benefits can reduce the living expenses and increase the overall income of the worker. However, not all companies offer the same benefits, and some may require a minimum planting commitment to qualify for benefits.

The Experience Factor

Another factor that affects a tree planter's income is their level of experience and productivity. Tree planting is a physically demanding and mentally challenging job that requires stamina, endurance, and focus. Most planters start with little or no experience and undergo a training period to learn the basics of tree planting, such as proper tree spacing, soil preparation, and planting techniques.

As tree planters gain experience and improve their skills, they can plant more trees per day and earn more money. Experienced planters can often plant 3,000-4,000 trees per day or more, which translates to $600-$800 per day at a piecework rate of $0.20 per tree. However, it takes time and effort to reach that level of productivity, and not all planters can achieve it.

The Bottom Line

So, how much can you make tree planting in BC? The answer depends on several factors such as the hourly wage, piecework rate, bonuses, deductions, benefits, and experience level. In general, a beginner tree planter can expect to earn around $200-$400 per day, while an experienced planter can earn $600-$800 per day or more. However, these numbers are not set in stone and can vary considerably based on the planting project, the company, and the individual planter's performance. Therefore, tree planting can be a financially rewarding job, but it also requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and improve.