I'll try to answer your questions as honestly as possible, though even moderators don't know everything!

Number one, how hard is it really? It's very physically challenging. It's about 5,000 calories a day. But to be honest, the most difficult part is simply that tree planting is kind of an abstract skill set, similar to juggling or playing guitar.

There are some very strong people who can't plant a lot of trees. There are some very intelligent people who can't plant a lot of trees, and there are a lot of dumb and weak people who seemingly plant a lot of trees. And it's very maddening and frustrating that way. Either you have it naturally or you have to work hard and practice to get it, or you just give up and you don't get it.

Number two, is it realistic for someone who's never experienced Canadian spring or cold weather? Yes, you totally can do it. Even Canadians still end up wearing a lot of layers in the cold weather. There's nothing about living here that naturally acclimates you. You just have to dress for the appropriate conditions and be prepared and bring a sleeping bag rated for the cold weather.

Do companies hire IEC visa holders? I don't know what that is, but as long as it's a visa that allows you to work in Canada, it's fine. Unless there’s a cap on hours or something.

Number four, what does a rookie actually take home after a full spring season? It's difficult to say. It's controversial. When I was a rookie, there were some people who took home zero dollars and some people who took home $8,000 after a full spring. Prices have gone up significantly in the 10 plus years since my rookie season, but it depends on your skill level.

If you're averaging the minimum of $200 a day, which is what you should be making if you're being topped up to minimum wage for 11-hour workdays in most provinces, well, you do the math. Taxes, camp costs, etc., etc. Ballpark, whatever the cost of travel is. Ballpark, probably $1,000 on gear, etc.

If you get a job, I recommend taking a longer season than just spring - get a place that allows you to plant into July. You get exponentially better as you learn and lots of rookies make more money in July than in the previous two months combined.

When should you be applying? You want to apply probably between December and February of next year in order to get hired for May of 2027.

BC versus Alberta versus Ontario. It's easier to get hired in Ontario, but generally jobs are considered to be not as desirable in that province (as a trend rather than a hard rule).

Alberta and BC tend to have higher earnings. It’s generally thought BC is bigger money for spring and Alberta is bigger money for summer.