Jackson Bonn, residing in Belleville, Ont., shares his firsthand account of tree planting. On a cool morning with light smoke lingering from nearby wildfires, Bonn briefed his team of tree planters before they began their designated tasks. Throughout his 12-hour shift, Bonn oversaw the planting process, ensuring each planter had the necessary seedlings and planted them accurately in the designated area.
While his primary role involved coordinating the planters, Bonn managed to find time to plant trees himself that day. With a shovel in hand, he carefully placed the seedlings in the ground, envisioning his actions akin to a freestyle swimmer’s smooth movements. As an experienced tree planter, Bonn reflected on his long-standing commitment to the job, highlighting the crucial role planters play in replenishing Canada’s forests post-logging and fires.
Typically, tree planters like Bonn plant between 1,500 to 5,000 trees daily, earning payment based on the number of trees planted. Despite the physically demanding nature of the job, Bonn acknowledged the sense of pride that comes with being a tree planter and the strong camaraderie among fellow planters.
While Bonn appreciates the unique experience tree planting offers, he recognizes it as a temporary occupation rather than a long-term career. In 2025, he opted for a break from his annual tree planting routine, seeking a quieter summer on the East Coast. However, the allure of returning to the bush persisted, prompting Bonn to resume his tree planting duties and assume a leadership role within his crew.
To Bonn, tree planting embodies a quintessentially Canadian experience, distinct from similar practices in other countries. With climate change intensifying forest fires and heatwaves, tree planters like Bonn witness firsthand the environmental impacts, fostering a profound connection to their labor and the natural surroundings. Despite the challenges, Bonn cherishes the sense of community and personal growth tree planting has bestowed upon him.
As Bonn continues his tree planting journey, he embraces the title of a tree planter as a mark of honor and a symbol of his transformative experiences in the Canadian wilderness. For now, his passion for tree planting remains unwavering, as he immerses himself in the bush, nurturing both literal and metaphorical roots in the process.