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Tree Planting Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Proficient in the identification of poisonous plants. * Proficiency in electrical circuit basics and interpreting circuit maps. * Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and ...

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Tree Planting information

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$9

$15

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How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in Michigan is $15.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get paid for planting trees?

Tree planting jobs are often paid positions, especially when working for environmental organizations, forestry companies, or government programs. Pay can vary based on experience, location, and whether the work is seasonal or ongoing, and some roles may require physical fitness and knowledge of planting techniques.

What is tree planting?

Tree planting is the process of transplanting tree seedlings, generally for forestry, land reclamation, or landscaping purposes. It involves preparing the land, selecting appropriate tree species, and planting them in a way that promotes healthy growth. Tree planting helps restore ecosystems, combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, and can provide economic and social benefits to communities. The work is often physically demanding and can be seasonal, depending on climate and planting goals.

What Are Tree Planting Jobs?

Tree planting jobs include a variety of positions related to planting, nurturing, and caring for trees. Most tree planting jobs do not focus exclusively on planting trees. Your duties may also include logging, trimming, or landscaping areas. Common roles include planting seedlings for horticulture, supporting reforestation efforts, or helping landscape a local park. Most tree planting jobs take place outdoors, but you can find a few jobs working with seeds and pots in factory-like settings to prepare them for shipment. Due to the long growing times, many tree planting jobs are seasonal positions. If you want to work with planting trees year-round, you may need to look for a management position.

What is the 10 20 30 rule for Tree Planting?

The 10-20-30 rule in tree planting is a guideline for selecting tree species based on their mature height and spread: plant trees that will grow no taller than 10 feet in small spaces, 20 feet in medium spaces, and 30 feet in larger areas to ensure proper growth and safety. This rule helps landscapers and arborists choose appropriate trees for urban or residential environments, considering space and growth habits.

What is the difference between Tree Planting vs Arborist?

AspectTree PlantingArborist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but some may have basic horticulture knowledgeRequires certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, planting sites, nurseriesOutdoor, urban and rural trees, often consulting or maintenance
Industry UsageLandscaping companies, conservation projectsTree care, pruning, health assessments, consulting

Tree planting focuses on the physical act of planting trees, often with minimal certification, while arborists provide expert tree care, including pruning, health assessments, and consulting, requiring specialized certifications. Both roles work outdoors and are essential in forestry and landscaping industries, but arborists typically have more advanced training and responsibilities.

How much money can you make being a tree planter?

Tree planters typically earn between $1,000 and $3,000 per week during peak planting seasons, with pay often based on the number of trees planted or a daily rate. Experienced planters or those working in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, and some jobs offer bonuses or incentives for productivity.

How to become a tree planter in the US?

To become a tree planter, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, have physical stamina, and be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Many tree planting jobs are seasonal and may require training on planting techniques and safety protocols; some employers prefer candidates with a valid driver's license and the ability to work long hours in remote locations.

What are some common challenges faced by tree planters, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tree planting can be physically demanding, with challenges such as working in remote areas, variable weather conditions, and repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain proper hydration, use correct lifting and planting techniques to avoid injury, and wear appropriate gear for protection against weather and terrain. Many crews foster a supportive team environment, encouraging frequent breaks and open communication to ensure everyone stays healthy and motivated throughout the planting season.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tree Planter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Planter, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of silviculture and reforestation practices, usually gained through on-the-job training. Familiarity with GPS devices, planting tools, and safety equipment is often required. Strong teamwork, self-motivation, and resilience in various weather conditions are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure efficient, high-quality planting that supports forest regeneration and meets environmental standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Planting jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Tree Planting jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Planting jobs in Michigan? For Tree Planting jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Planting jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Planting jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Tree Planting jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Tree Planting job openings:
Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,957 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Crew Leader (Crew Foreperson)

Crew Leader (Crew Foreperson)

Lewis Services

Wayland, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

OverviewJoin a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees - we're building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job - you're investing in your future.

Why You'll Love It Here

- Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!

- Elevate your career with us - we prioritize training and internal promotions!

- Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!

- Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!

ResponsibilitiesWhat You'll Do as a Crew Leader

As a Crew Leader at Lewis Services, you will oversee and manage a crew performing utility vegetation management, ensuring safe and efficient tree trimming and line clearing operations for the utility and other customers.

  • Supervise daily tree crew operations and ensure safe, efficient work practices, including training, onboarding, coaching, discipline, and ensure high-quality and efficient job performance.
  • Plan and assign tasks based on crew members' skills and job requirements.
  • Monitor and evaluate crew performance, including new hires, for training, promotion, and disciplinary actions.
  • Maintain up-to-date contact information for all crew members and report any availability or fitness-for-duty concerns to the General Foreman.
  • Conduct field training, retraining, and job briefings to ensure crew readiness.
  • Enforce safety standards and company policies, report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately.
  • Identify jobsite hazards and implement safeguards such as barriers and warning signs.
  • Make decisions regarding work slowdown due to weather or safety concerns.
  • Perform and direct tree trimming, removal, and clearance near energized lines using climbing or aerial lift techniques.
  • Operate and oversee use of equipment, including trucks, chippers, aerial lifts, and power saws.
  • Interpret work orders, utility drawings, and symbols related to line voltage and equipment.
  • Maintain clean and organized work vehicles and job sites.
  • Communicate with property owners to explain work, obtain access, and secure written permissions.
  • Promote positive relationships with customers, the public, utility representatives, and other contractors.
  • Cooperate with emergency services when blocking streets or driveways.
  • Maintain accurate records and reports on crew performance, incidents, equipment issues, and completed work.
  • Investigate incident reports and damage claims as assigned.
  • Monitor and control crew costs through efficient use of resources and equipment.
  • Stay informed on company policies, union agreements, and equipment standards.
  • Emergency Response
  • Respond to emergency situations to eliminate hazards and assist in service restoration.
  • Exercise sound judgment in urgent scenarios to protect life and property.
  • Request major tool or equipment repairs as needed.
  • Travel frequently, including overnight stays, as required.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
QualificationsWhat You Bring
  • At least 3 years of experience in a tree crew or in utility vegetation management.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards for arboricultural operations.
  • Proficient in the identification of poisonous plants.
  • Proficiency in electrical circuit basics and interpreting circuit maps.
  • Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift operations.
  • Crew Leader Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification (or ability to complete).
  • Valid driver's license, CDL (as needed), and required medical certification.
  • Acquire and keep the required training and licenses for the safe and proper use of herbicides.
  • CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
  • Strong leadership, effective communication, and decision-making skills.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.
Physical Demands

Ability to:

  • Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher
  • Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
  • Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain
  • Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity)
  • Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively
  • Operate two-handed tools and equipment
  • Maintain skill in tree ascent and descent
  • Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather conditions

Continuously - Standing, Walking, Handling/Grasping, Repetitive Movements.

Frequently - Lifting/Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Stooping/Kneeling, Reaching, Tree Ascending/Descending.

Occasionally - Driving, Climbing Stairs/Ladders.

Rarely - Sitting/Operating

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental Conditions:

Continuously - Outdoor work

Occasionally - Noise Levels

Frequently - Extreme Temperatures

Rarely - Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never - Confined Spaces

Comments: You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns.  Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment may include:- Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs

- Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers

- Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes

- Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes, hanger puller, manual and hydraulic pole saw, spikes.

- Sprayer applicators, pump sprayer, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs

- Tablets and communication devices

What We Offer

Non-Union Benefits:

- Competitive pay- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)- Paid training and industry certifications- Health, dental, vision & HSA options- 401(k) +- Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

People Promise

Our People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business.We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feelwelcome and fairly treated.We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued.

 Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed toprovidingequal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service's practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Spanish Posting

Unase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podamos arboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamano de gestion de servicios y vegetacion en Norteamerica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

Por que le encantara trabajar aqui

  • Experimente un maravilloso entorno al aire libre mientras trabaja en la naturaleza, no quede atrapado detras de un escritorio!
  • Eleve su carrera profesional con nosotros. Priorizamos la capacitacion y las promociones internas!
  • Unase a un equipo vibrante que es pionero en seguridad, valora su opinion y fomenta un fuerte sentido de la camaraderia!
  • Forme su futuro con nosotros a traves de nuestro fantastico Plan de Propiedad de Acciones para Empleados (ESOP)! (Unhighlight or Remove if Union)

Sus funciones como Jefe de Cuadrilla

  • Como Jefe de Cuadrilla en Lewis Services, supervisara y administrara cuadrillas que gestionan la vegetacion de las empresas de servicios publicos, garantizara operaciones eficientes de poda de arboles y limpieza de cables para las empresas de servicios publicos y otros clientes.
  • Supervisar las operaciones diarias del equipo de arboles y garantizar practicas laborales seguras y eficientes, que incluyen la capacitacion, la incorporacion, el entrenamiento, la disciplina y garantizar un desempeno laboral eficiente y de alta calidad.
  • Planificar y asignar tareas segun las habilidades de los miembros de la cuadrilla y los requisitos del trabajo.
  • Supervisar y evaluar el desempeno de la cuadrilla, incluidas las nuevas contrataciones, para su capacitacion, promociones y medidas disciplinarias.
  • Mantener actualizada la informacion de contacto de todos los miembros de la cuadrilla e informar cualquier inquietud sobre disponibilidad o aptitud para el trabajo al capataz general.
  • Realizar capacitaciones de campo, nuevas capacitaciones y reuniones informativas de trabajo para garantizar la preparacion de la cuadrilla.
  • Aplicar las normas de seguridad y las politicas de la empresa, informar de inmediato sobre condiciones inseguras o incidentes.
  • Identificar los peligros en el lugar de trabajo e implementar medidas de proteccion como barreras y senales de advertencia.
  • Tomar decisiones sobre la reduccion del ritmo de trabajo debido al clima o los problemas de seguridad.
  • Realizar y dirigir la poda, remocion y limpieza de arboles cerca de lineas electricas mediante el uso de tecnicas de escalada o plataformas aereas.
  • Operar y supervisar el uso de equipos, incluidos camiones, astilladoras, plataformas aereas y sierras electricas.
  • Interpretar ordenes de trabajo, planos de servicios publicos y simbolos relacionados con el voltaje de linea y los equipos.
  • Mantener los vehiculos y los lugares de trabajo limpios y organizados.
  • Comunicarse con los propietarios para explicar el trabajo, obtener acceso y asegurar permisos escritos.
  • Promover relaciones positivas con los clientes, el publico, representantes de servicios publicos y otros contratistas.
  • Cooperar con los servicios de emergencia cuando se bloquean calles o entradas de vehiculos.
  • Mantener registros e informes precisos sobre el desempeno de la cuadrilla, incidentes, problemas de los equipos y trabajo completado.
  • Investigar informes de incidentes y reclamos por danos segun se asignen.
  • Supervisar y controlar los costos de la cuadrilla mediante el uso eficiente de recursos y equipos.
  • Mantenerse informado sobre las politicas de la empresa, los acuerdos sindicales y los estandares de los equipos.
  • Responder ante emergencias.
  • Responder a situaciones de emergencia para eliminar peligros y ayudar a restablecer el servicio.
  • Aplicar buen juicio en situaciones urgentes para proteger la vida y los bienes.
  • Solicitar reparaciones importantes de herramientas o equipos, segun sea necesario.
  • Viajar con frecuencia, incluidos pernoctes, segun sea necesario.
  • Realizar otras tareas relacionadas asignadas.

Lo que usted aporta

  • Al menos 3 anos de experiencia en cuadrilla de arboles o gestion de vegetacion de servicios publicos. 
  • Solido conocimiento y comprension de los requisitos de seguridad ANSI Z133 y los estandares de poda A300 para operaciones arboricolas. 
  • Dominio en la identificacion de plantas venenosas. 
  • Dominio de los conceptos basicos de los circuitos electricos e interpretacion de diagramas de circuitos. 
  • Habilidades avanzadas para el ascenso/descenso de arboles con cuerdas y una silla de seguridad, y experto en operaciones de plataformas aereas. 
  • Certificacion de conocimientos y habilidades tecnicas del jefe de cuadrilla (o capacidad para completar estos requisitos). 
  • Licencia de conducir valida, licencia de conducir comercial (CDL) (segun sea necesario) y certificacion medica requerida. 
  • Obtener y mantener la capacitacion y las licencias necesarias para el uso seguro y adecuado de herbicidas. 
  • Certificacion en RCP y primeros auxilios (proporcionado por Lewis). 
  • Fuerte liderazgo, comunicacion efectiva y habilidades de toma de decisiones. 
  • Garantizar el cumplimiento de todas las reglamentaciones locales, estatales y federales aplicables. 

Demandas fisicas 

 Capacidad para las siguientes actividades: 

  • Levantar 50 libras hasta la altura de los hombros o mas arriba. 
  • Empujar o tirar hasta 50 libras. 
  • Caminar hasta una milla por terrenos irregulares. 
  • Soportar variaciones climaticas extremas (por ejemplo, de frio intenso a calor y humedad elevados). 
  • Escuchar, hablar, ver y comunicarse de manera efectiva. 
  • Operar herramientas y equipos con las dos manos. 
  • Mantener la habilidad al subir y bajar de los arboles. 
  • Trabajar y maniobrar a alturas considerables durante condiciones climaticas adversas. 

De forma continua:estar de pie, caminar, manipular/sujetar, realizar movimientos repetitivos. 

Con frecuencia:levantar/transportar, empujar/tirar, agacharse/arrodillarse, alcanzar, subir/bajar de arboles. 

En ocasiones: conducir, subir escaleras fijas/plegables. 

Rara vez: estar sentado/operar. 

Comentarios: Debe esperar una variabilidad en el tamano, proporciones, condiciones y pesos de los suministros al igual que en los equipos y las condiciones de trabajo. 

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