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Tree Planting Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Tree Planting information

See Madison, WI salary details

$11

$17

$24

How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in Madison, WI is $17.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.38 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 Madison, WI? The most popular types of Tree Planting jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Planting jobs in Madison, WI? For Tree Planting jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Tree Planting jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Tree Planting job openings:
Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,950 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Groundskeeper

$21.39/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Sun Prairie Area School District rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 577 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

STARTING WAGE: $21.39+ per hour (based on experience)
This position is full time, year round and comes with paid time off, paid vacation and is benefit eligible.  
Summary  
The Groundskeeper will maintain school grounds to an excellent degree to convey pride, care, and stewardship of the District's grounds.  This includes but is not limited to landscaping, lawns, turf and athletic fields, natural and retention ponds, tree maintenance, irrigation systems, playgrounds, and planting beds, plowing snow, maintaining equipment, and performing other duties as required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned. 







  • Care and maintenance of perennials, shrubs and trees; bed maintenance; plant selection; lawn care and maintenance; general landscaping.
  • Care and maintenance of natural turf, synthetic turf, and athletic fields; painting of athletic fields; set up and measurements of athletic fields and equipment; fertilization; pesticides; irrigation; seeding; aeration.
  • Care and maintenance of detention/retention ponds and storm water systems.
  • Care and maintenance of natural areas including native plant areas and wetlands.
  • Care, maintenance and inspection of playground equipment and playground area.
  • Care, maintenance and repair of hardscapes including asphalt and concrete; signs and parking lines.
  • Plow and salt sidewalks and other paving areas as required, includes being on-call for after-hours plowing during the snow season.
  • Perform maintenance and small repairs on Grounds equipment & Fleet vehicles
  • Coordinate with other grounds crew both regular and seasonal, coordinates with custodians for school related grounds issues.
  • Deliver grounds supplies to the schools including fuels, salt, seed, and equipment.
  • Provide backup for Shipping & Receiving when needed
  • Complete and submit logs and records as required for regulatory record keeping and submissions.
  • Serve on the district wide on-call rotation as required.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities & Grounds.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High School graduate with horticulture, turf and/or landscape training and a minimum of three years of turf, landscaping, grounds power equipment, and building and grounds experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must be capable of identifying plant species, correctly pruning and caring for shrubs and trees and evaluating plant diseases and insect issues and treatment.  Prefer certifications in the area of playground equipment inspection.  Must possess a valid driver's license.  Obtaining and utilizing a Certified Playground Inspector and/or a commercial pesticide/herbicide application certification through District-paid training is highly encouraged.
Minimum Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Physical Requirements



  • Ability to operate a variety of building and grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, snow plows, tractors, fork lifts, skid steers, end loaders, etc.
  • Ability to use a variety of landscaping, mechanical and carpentry tools, including power tools
  • Ability to provide care and maintenance to synthetic turf surfaces.
  • Ability to lift and maneuver objects weighing up to 90 pounds
  • Must have current physical on file with the district certifying applicant is able to meet all job qualifications

Supervisory Skills

  • Ability to assign, supervise and review the work of others

Mathematical Ability

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate decimals and percentages
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, area, circumference and volume
  • Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

  • Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with building and grounds personnel, athletic director, principals, coaches, teachers, the general public, and others verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret and/or prepare a variety of documents, including field diagrams, landscape civil engineering plans, work orders, maintenance manuals, material data sheets, request for proposals, purchase orders, etc.
  • Ability to prepare a variety of documents including landscaping plans, daily worksheets, equipment maintenance logs, reports, correspondence, etc. and using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style.
  • Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
  • Ability to use and interpret landscaping and building and grounds maintenance terminology.

Environmental Adaptability

  • Ability to work effectively outdoors under a variety of conditions.
  • Ability to work near or with moving mechanical equipment.
  • Ability to meet deadlines with severe time constraints.
  • Ability to work in a loud and/or dusty environment.
  • Ability to work with hazardous materials.

Maybe required to work outside of normal work hours.




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