Planting & Brushing: What’s the Difference?

Tree planting and brushing are two critical parts of the silviculture industry. Once trees are planted, brushers maintain the site to remove vegetation and maximize the tree’s chances of survival. Both can be rewarding and high-paying jobs, but there are several things to consider before becoming a brusher. If you’re considering a career in brushing, here are a few things to consider.

Season Length:

Brushing is a popular choice amongst planters who want to extend their work season by a few months, as the brushing season generally starts and finishes later than planting. Depending on weather and fire conditions, tree planting can start around April and go until August, whereas brushing can begin as early as June and finish as late as October.

How you’re paid:

Although earnings for planting and brushing are both production-based, they are calculated differently. Rather than being paid by the tree, as planting would, brushers are paid by the hectare. Prices typically range from $400-$1000/Ha, however, rates depend on several factors, including terrain, type of vegetation, etc.

Another consideration is upfront costs. Buying a brush saw and all the associated gear can cost as much as $2000. To maximize your return on investment, we only recommend brushing to those who are planning to do it for several years at least.

Learning Curve:

Both planting and brushing have pretty steep learning curves, but because brushing uses machinery, there are more variables that you’ll need to master. For example, understanding your saw’s ideal power window is crucial for maximizing your gear's productivity and longevity. Maintenance is also vital, as a sharp saw blade is a must, especially for woody brushing. That’s why we recommend starting with herbaceous brushwork. It will allow you to learn the art of sharpening blades and maintaining your tools, preparing you for woody competition.

Effects on Body:

Planting and brushing are both physically demanding jobs requiring a high level of fitness to remain efficient and injury-free throughout the season. That said, all things considered, brushing tends to be easier on the body, provided your saw’s harness is fitted correctly. It’s also worth considering an investment into a higher quality harness, because doing so will really save your back in the long term. Also, because trips to camp to reload trees aren’t required, brushers bring their gear with them in a backpack. Depending on the state of your back, this could pose issues, but as long as your pack isn’t too heavy and your straps fit properly, you shouldn’t have too many problems.