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Tree Planting Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

All JobsTree Planting JobsTree Planting Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Tree Planting information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in Santa Rosa, CA is $19.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.01 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.
More about Tree Planting jobs
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Tree Planting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,086 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Construction Laborer- Landscape- Union

McGuire & Hester

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

$33 - $38.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description

McGuire and Hester is a comprehensive sitework construction company with 100-year history of building many of Northern California's most recognizable landmark and infrastructure projects. We offer a full range of services, including pipeline, grading, paving, concrete, landscape and mechanical work, utilizing both conventional and alternative project delivery methods. Our team adage "Together We Build Things Right" sums up our culture and explains what makes McGuire and Hester both an excellent partner and a great place to work.

Job Summary- This is a union position. Candidates must be a member of the applicable union or be willing and eligible to join the union as a condition of employment.

Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types; air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instructions. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavation, erect scaffolding, clean up rubble, and debris, and remove asbestos, lead, and other hazardous waste materials

Reports to

Foremen, Project Superintendent and General Superintendent

Key Communication Partners

Foremen and Superintendent

Typical Duties

  • Ability to work in a quick-paced, safety-oriented team environment
  • Willingness to follow detailed instructions from leadership
  • Experience working with hand and/or power tools to perform a range of landscape or irrigation duties
  • Digging and cleaning trenches for irrigation and drainage systems
  • Installing pipe, valves, control wire, sprinklers, and drip irrigation systems
  • Place and prepare soil with amendments and fertilizers
  • Raking and fine grading of prepared planting soil
  • Tree and shrub planting including tree staking and/or guying
  • Sod lawn preparation and installation
  • Able to safely work near and around heavy construction equipment and in proximity to automobile traffic
  • The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 50lbs of weight
  • Perform general physical activities that may include climbing, lifting, balance, walking, stopping, or kneeling. This job requires standing, kneeling, and bending for long periods of time
  • Use either control mechanisms or direct contact to operate machines or process
  • Monitor and review information from materials, events, or the environment to detect or assess problems
  • Maintain a safety-first culture and actively participate in the "Safety Buck" program

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED preferred

Language Skills: Understanding of English as associated with the jobsite safety and the typical duties required of this position

Mathematical Skills: Basic understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Reasoning Ability: apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two step instructions. Deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables

Computer Skills: no skills required

Interpersonal Skills: ability to solve conflict, create team atmosphere, dependable, and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness

Certificates, Licenses, and Registration: valid California Driver's License and clean driving record

Compensation:

$35 - $40, based on skills experience and knowledge. Will be determined by the union dispatch.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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