Georgia is one of the top States in the Nation in reforestation efforts.  Georgia landowners are faced with finding quality contractors that will do a good job in a timely fashion.  There are an abundance of industry, government, and private tree nurseries in Georgia.  Most of these nurseries are often asked to recommend tree planters for particular areas.  Students may want to gain experience with hand or mechanical planting crews before venturing out on their own.  This is a very seasonal job with employment from October through March depending upon local weather conditions.  Hand planting crews can often pick up jobs from large planting contractors who sometimes overbook.  Students should realize that the work is very hard and often in harsh conditions.  Prices are usually charged by the acre or by the tree.  Prices by the tree often range from 7-12 cents per tree.  This cost may be higher or lower in some areas.  Students may work their way up to planting 2000-3000 trees per day with practice and conditioning.  Although wages are paid by quantity, quality is of the utmost importance.  Students may expect to receive repeat business and referrals for jobs done well.  Most hand planting is done with a dibble or hoe dad.  Mechanical planting is very capital intense with the expense of tractor and planter operation and maintenance.

Written by Steve Meeks

Technical Information:   Care and Planting of Southern Pine Seedlings, USDA Forest Service Management Bulletin R8-MB39

Selecting and Planting Pine Seedlings,  UGA Cooperative Extension Service, Bulletin 983

Seedling Care and Planting Guidelines, Georgia Forestry Commission