wet season in alberta this year as well...rained literally nonstop for the first 2 weeks of the spring plant...summer plant at the John in BC was gorgeous weather with gorgeous views though. Love the video :-D.
When the temperature is hovering around zero and you're planting in snow (or windy conditions with heavy rain at the beginning of the season), you'll want as much protection from the elements as you can get. It will obviously slow you down, but what's worst: being completely frozen and soaked and unable to plant, or moving slowly and at least getting some trees in the ground?
man I'm so happy I watched this video before going tree planting because it made me expect it to be the shitiest most painful job ever but it was actually really fun. sure getting out of your sleeping bag is a bitch and sometimes your land is shitty and the bugs can be brutal and you can become really stressed out but for the most part you are enjoying the company of others around you and living in the middle of nowhere is incredibly peaceful.
i was going to go treeplant this summer but other obligations came in the way and i wasnt sure if i could handle it but hopefully next summer. been thinking about it since last year.
@markiemak I agree with shalobs.. I tried rain gear my first two rain days and quit less then half way, stripping down to just a long sleeve or tshirt. Sure, your wet, soaking wet, but as long as you move fast you can be warm!
Outland is the best out of those because of its large contracts, (reputation for) reliability, experienced staff, high(est) earning potential especially for future seasons, and because it has branches throughout Canada if you want to change provinces or do Fall plants. They also have firefighting if you're interested in the future. Wilderness, who I planted for, is good because rookies get a lot of opportunity for earning big amounts as there are less veteran planters than Outland.
Poly pro. Make sure everything you have is synthetic or wool. You're going to get wet and if you have cotton on you'll freeze. I remember putting frozen socks on in the morning! Great times. Get a decent rubber-y raincoat. It'll keep you dry for a bit. There are big-drops sometimes. Don't get uber gear, you're going to rip it.
Amazing video man! I planted for Brinkman a few years ago and i'm headed back this spring. I've been watching your video over and over. It's uncanny how this video brings back vivid memories of the little things I forgot. Great music selection. What's the song at 7:44???
Our trees came in totes, wrapped in 20's,25's or even 15's (if they are biggies). I can't imagine how shitty it would be taking them out of a tray. How many days were in a shift for your group?
I purchased a cheap rain suit (I think from Bush) that was useful / essential when it was raining and snowing. I really wouldn't bother purchasing anything for over 20-40$ since a lot of the rain suits people bought easily tore on branches and other snags (even ones that cost around 100$). Definitely buy a rain suit but make sure it's comfortable to work in. You won't need it at the end of the season, but possibly at the beginning of your contract when temperatures are still low.
thank you for this video. If I would have known if it would be this fun, I would have done it 4 years ago. I am currently applying to every company in the country, which one did you work for as a rookie?
great food, the lowest daily cost (12$), reliable for pay, and it's a good company to return to. but, Ontario contracts are shrinking and you get garbage piece rates so I'd strongly suggest to every company you can find in B.C./ Alberta even if it's your first year bcs ideally, that's where you want to be -- especially if you plan on returning for future years. It may not pay off your first year by opting out of Ontario but it undoubtedly will if you return subsequent seasons.
I planted for ten years and quit in the mid 80's .. I have over a million and half trees in the ground. In those days you did it all yourself your food your camp etc.. small crews were the best ten person crews..anyway get a pair of rain pants and cut them off at just above the knees you can move and keep your balls dry..never wore a rain jacket much, just lots of wool..rain gear sucks , but keeping your chest and balls dry is the way to go
no way, I was working in Northern Ontario in 2008 in the woods, lost a bunch of days to rainstorms (some of our equipment can't be used in a storm, regular rain was allowable as long as you logged it) Do you guys only plant one type of tree? I noticed when I was walking through the woods I would be in entire sections of replanted forests and there would be only one type of tree. It was very different from walking in the original forests (the entire environment was different).
What company did you work for Mark? I'm looking into a few different companies for my rookie year and hoping to get some advice. What have you heard about Ontario Companies? Outland, A&M, Brinkman? Any recommendations would be appreciated.
I am so glad I decided not to go back for a fourth season... Although the small town bar fights and dance offs will be so sadly missed. Outland - Grande Prairie..shake your money makers!!!!!
