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Tree Planting Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Construction Specialist

Durham, NC

$66K - $78K/yr

Supervise volunteers, laborers, and support staff in landscaping and exterior finishing tasks, including topsoil spreading, mulching, shrub and tree planting, straw spreading, mailbox and house ...

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 ...

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 ...

Water new plant material (sod, plants, trees and flowers) * Apply plant growth regulator chemicals on plant and tree material * Apply fertilizers, fungicides and insecticides on plant material ...

Water new plant material (sod, plants, trees and flowers) * Apply plant growth regulator chemicals on plant and tree material * Apply fertilizers, fungicides and insecticides on plant material ...

Sr, Maintenance Specialist

Durham, NC · On-site

$52K - $82K/yr

... tree removal, planting, and pruning operations, and debris loading, hauling, and disposal operations; performs or coordinates carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, painting, concrete work, welding ...

... tree removal, planting, and pruning operations, and debris loading, hauling, and disposal operations; performs or coordinates carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, painting, concrete work, welding ...

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Tree Planting information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in Raleigh, NC is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money can you make growing trees?

Tree planting jobs typically pay between $10 and $20 per hour, with seasonal or contract positions sometimes offering higher wages. Experienced tree planters or those working for specialized organizations can earn more, especially with certifications or in regions with high demand for reforestation or landscaping projects.

How do I get paid to plant trees?

Tree planting jobs typically pay hourly or per project, with wages varying based on location, experience, and organization. Many positions are seasonal and may require physical fitness and knowledge of planting techniques; some organizations also offer training or certifications. Payment is usually processed through direct deposit or checks after each pay period.

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 suggests that trees should be planted at least 10 feet apart, with 20 feet of clearance from structures, and 30 feet from other trees to ensure healthy growth and reduce competition. This guideline helps tree planters, including those in forestry or landscaping, promote proper spacing for mature trees. Adhering to these distances can improve tree health and safety in planting projects.

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 $12 and $20 per hour, with some seasonal positions offering bonuses or higher pay based on productivity. Wages can vary depending on location, experience, and the company, and physical endurance and efficiency are important for maximizing earnings.

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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Tree Planting jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Tree Planting job openings:
Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,641 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Tree Trimming Tech II

$62K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

An employee in this class is responsible for operating specialized, heavy, forestry/arboricultural vehicles and equipment working from an aerial lift and/or climbing trees and skillfully using power hand tools to perform routine duties in right-of-ways in the vicinity of energized electric conductors and to assist in multiple tree pruning, removal, planting and maintenance functions within an urban forestry program. Work is also performed on street rights-of-way, in parks, in sewer outfalls, and around Town facilities and land holdings. Supervisory and training duties may be exercised over other personnel.

Work is performed with some independent judgment under general supervision of the Tree Trimming Supervisor and overall supervision of the Electric Systems Division Manager. The Technician II provides guidance and leadership to lower level technicians. Requires responses to emergency tree maintenance needs, which are sometimes after normal business hours.

Employee Values: Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town's shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration. Essential Functions Essential Functions Drives and operates an aerial lift truck and uses it to prune and remove large trees often in close quarters near buildings, vehicles, and around voltage wires. Climbs trees using ropes and saddle without spikes for pruning and with spikes for removal.

Sets up work safety signs and cones and loads them at the end of each job. Supervises crew in the absence of the supervisor. Prunes trees to remove live and dead limbs, using chain saws, pole saws/pruners and hand pruners.

Works with Urban Forestry and Street Divisions to provide clearance on streets and sidewalks, at intersections, around traffic signals and signs, and around playground equipment and picnic shelters. Logs trees for clearing operations. Operates bush hog to clear rights-of-way.

Operates trailer-type brush, chipper to chop limbs and use chain saws to cut up wood for pruning and removal. Hauls brush and wood in dump bed or lift truck. Plants trees and performs follow-up watering, mulch, fertilizing and treatment for insects and disease problems.

Operates dump trucks and pump-oriented water tanks in the process. Maintains tools and equipment (e.g. daily preventive maintenance on the aerial lift truck and brush chipper, greasing aerial lift and chipper blades)

Cooperates with other divisions and departments to operate aerial lift, chip brush, and cut wood from tree pruning and removal associated with public works construction and repairs. Assists in use of stump grinder and track hoe. Trains new employees on job duties such as aerial lift bucket, hazards, roping and rigging and truck set-up.

Responds to "after hours" emergency tree maintenance needs. Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Considerable knowledge of traffic laws and regulations, of work zone safety applicable to equipment operations, of hazards associated with the use of tools and equipment operation and the use of appropriate safety operations.

Considerable knowledge of tree trimming and cutting techniques. Skill in operating tree-cutting equipment. Ability to understand the use of hand and power tools and other related equipment.

Ability to apply pesticides. Ability to read, interpret and complete work orders and use maps to organize workflow of each job and record completed work daily. Ability to understand and follow detailed verbal and written relationships.

Ability to operate and maintain forestry/arboriculture/electric utility heavy equipment and vehicles. Ability to use chain saws, hand saws, pole saws, pole pruners, loppers and hand pruners. Ability to learn to operate newly developed arboricultural equipment and machines.

Ability to work in adverse weather conditions while being exposed to loud equipment, engine noise and fumes. Ability to work in close proximity to high voltage wires and other lines. Ability to climb trees using ropes, hooks, and climbing gear.

Ability to train and supervise other employees. Special Requirements Possession of a valid North Carolina CDL- A Driver's License Possession of or able to obtain ISA Certified Arborist Credentials within 6 months of hire and maintain certification as a condition of employment Possession of or able to obtain NC Pesticide Applicator License CPR and First Aid Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to drive, climb, bend, lift, stand, sit, read, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools and controls. The position requires mobility.

Most duties are physically demanding requiring the movement of materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Movement of materials weighing 25 pounds may consume up to 80% of the work period. Duties require operation of motorized vehicles, use of heavy, moderate and light equipment and tools.

Activity and types of duties performed require moderate to heavy exertion, manual coordination and physical dexterity. Desirable Education and Experience. Associates or Bachelors Degrees in Arboricultural, Forestry or Horticultural operations, including tree maintenance and operating equipment necessary to perform tree maintenance duties.

Once an offer of employment has been extended, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, including NC State Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.