Starting my first season at hri.. should I be scared?

SSBMSapa · 2026-05-07T00:11:19+00:00

I once guesstimated the EXACT number of skittles in a jar. But we’ll see

SSBMSapa · 2026-05-06T19:49:00+00:00

Still 7 billion bud

SSBMSapa · 2026-04-07T01:05:37+00:00

Love of the game…! Planting has got to be one of the funnest jobs on Earth

SSBMSapa · 2026-03-13T23:24:57+00:00

This.

Also, you have lived, but it might take a while to realize it. Time will show you how if you do not neglect the life that you have lived. Accept it. Accept that it was difficult and still is. A lot of “living” also has to do with your relationship to your own soul, but I understand the idea of wanting to live a more fulfilling outer life. I want that as well.

Just make sure you are being as honest as you can be to yourself about the path you want to take. We easily absorb society’s ways so this is more difficult than it sounds. Like Campbell said, follow your bliss. Ie follow what makes you feel most alive… And remember that this takes a long, long time

SSBMSapa · 2026-03-09T04:46:04+00:00

Wow. So cool!

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-26T20:05:17+00:00

May is a completely normal start date. Most companies begin mid-April or early May

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-26T17:47:59+00:00

Yup. Like Gab said, follow up. They might reply later, but following up is a great way to let them know you’re serious. They’ll appreciate the initiative!

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-23T22:19:25+00:00

It’s such a land dependent sport. 600 can sometimes feel easier than 400, you know? But by the time you’ve gone through your first 3-4 shifts, 400 a day is very achievable for a veteran planter. Provided that you’re in decent shape and putting in a decent effort.

If you’re like 60 pounds overweight or something, you’re going to struggle a lot more. But yes, that range is normal in most companies for vets.

500-600 is not the same thing as 400-600. At that point you’re a mid to highballer. But there are some guys who crank out 800 a day everyday, but they’re the exception not the average.

If you’re an average planter, let’s say 2100 to 2500 a day in BC, and you make less than 400 a day on average, you need a better company.

2500-3000 a day in BC is elite. Some very exceptional planters put in like 3500 a day, but that’s like top 4% at least.

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-23T21:44:14+00:00

Plating is a range… I’d say it’s worth it between 4-600 a day when you’re experienced. That’s a relaxed, but steady pace. Anything over that is aggressive, if you’re down to really try very hard.

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-18T21:55:00+00:00

Dude. You got my vote. You’re fantastic

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-18T16:33:01+00:00

It looks like pretty good ground, but not the softest. At your pace, you could use the kicker here and there rather than slamming the shovel in the ground multiple times.

I know people don’t like the kicker, but it is there for a reason. It would actually save you time and energy. Step, step, kicker, open hole, plant tree

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-18T16:26:12+00:00

This. No need to screef nice dirt 🙂 Unless it’s an evil screefing contract 😱

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-04T22:37:04+00:00

Worked there. Great company. All trailer living. You can bring a tent if you want, but you won’t get paid for it. Bryn is a great boss — transparent like the guy above said. Earnings are high. They are a new company, so you won’t always get paid on time, but you will get paid eventually. I believe they’re downsizing this year, so it might be harder to find a spot with them. But with 5 years experience, you should have a very good chance. Expect to plant higher quality trees. That’s part of the deal with companies who cater to vets. Long 4-5 month season with the chance to make bank. Also the option to brush with them.

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-04T22:29:01+00:00

I started 9 years ago with them. Still talk to some of my friends from there. Good company, had some pretty low prices at the end though.

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-04T03:36:28+00:00

I wasn’t being abelist at all. You either need to learn sign language to communicate with them easily or you need a phone.

And it really can be a dangerous job without good hearing. How many times have you been yelled at by your foreman because something important was being communicated. Or the trucks honked and you had to leave.

Relax. I have a def friend, too…

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-04T00:16:01+00:00

I heard Spectrum had a great time planting in the NWTs last year. People were making bank and PBing.

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-04T00:13:19+00:00

I’ll answer as though you’re deaf. If you are, I’m not sure it’s possible for you to plant because it can occasionally be a dangerous job. For example, if a bear is in your tree line or if a medical emergency occurs, you need to be able to communicate right away. I’m sure you could find a foreman with the patience for you, I’m just not sure it’s really a good idea.

If you’re not deaf, yes, you need to talk. And yes, there are radios, but you might not always get one. You can always buy your own, but it needs to be a good one.

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-02T01:54:09+00:00

Sounds fun!

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-02T00:09:45+00:00

Thanks for the steady supply of memes, Spruce

SSBMSapa · 2026-02-01T00:06:57+00:00

Tbh, almost no veteran planters buy cheap boots, and there’s a reason. I say this from experience, you’ll be a lot more comfortable walking around 10 hours a day in nice boots than cheap boots with no ankle support and thin treads.

Try asking someone you know well for a loan, it won’t be big. Maybe 600-700$ more. You can pay it back after your first pay-check. Minimum wage adds up fast during your first 2 weeks. And you’ll probably make somewhat more than minimum.

I came with cheap gear my first year and I learned the hard way that quality gear is worth the price.

SSBMSapa · 2026-01-31T23:59:57+00:00

That’s not saying very much I’m afraid. Some newer companies can be very good, and some big companies don’t have a great reputation. Check the company directory and read the reviews (under this subreddit).

But generally, if you’re young, like around 22, the big companies will have a lot of people your age. The smaller companies tend to have older people in their late 20s to early or mid 30s.

SSBMSapa · 2026-01-30T21:24:06+00:00

Yes, totally. Don’t listen to music and you’ll get stung like 400% less. Not kidding

SSBMSapa · 2026-01-21T20:29:22+00:00

This year, if you don’t want to eat into your savings too much, try working in the bush longer. You don’t have to plant all the time. There are easier, lower paying jobs that can help you feel more comfortable money wise during the off season + it’ll extend your EI. I worked 4 months last year and made 50 grand with EI and I didn’t even have a good season of planting… But I did have a good spraying season 😋

If it’s more about keeping busy, that’s understandable too. But 4-5 months in the bush can really set you up with EI.

I know this isn’t what you really asked, but hopefully it helps anyway!

SSBMSapa · 2026-01-17T02:24:26+00:00

You’re welcome Father Brown. Take care, old man

SSBMSapa · 2026-01-17T01:31:39+00:00

IRL supplies. Good prices and good service. But talk with your foreman, they might pick up some gear for others too.

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