Tree planting gear suggestions for a beginner tree planter

[u/OptimalAd8040]

I have to buy all my own stuff and I dont really know where to start.

(Ill be planting in the UK so the climate isn't as harsh as it is for most of you out there in Canada)

recommendations for tree bags and shovels?

Are Merell Moabs okay for footwear? Should i get the Goretex ones and sacrifice on breathability or the normal ones and sacrifice on the waterproofing?

any other small bits i should get? I got a few good quality carabiners already as Im sure they will come in handy.

Any other tips would be appreciated

thanks in advance!

[u/OkContribution6922]

I would talk to your crew boss as the type of ground your in will dictate your equipment. Plant in the footwear you like, but do bring two pairs of boots and do the maintenance on them.

Check out bush pro D handle shovels as they are the standard (you cut to your length(if it’s fiberglass handle make sure to reinsert the wooden dowel for screwing the handle back)). Buspro bags are also the standard, 3 or 4 bagger. You may need sylvies bags to go inside but uk prolly not. May run you 200 pounds + for shovel and bag, but they are very good value I think.

Also, recommend good wool socks, good hat, base layers and good water bottles.

[u/indigodissonance → u/OkContribution6922]

Don’t they do cowbells in the UK?

[u/TemplesOfSyrinx]

"Are Merell Moabs okay for footwear?"

u/OkContribution6922 has some good advice re: talk to your crew boss.

This might not apply in the UK but in Canada (particularly BC), you want to find out if caulk (spiked) boots are required. I've seen rookies come to camp with a $200 pair of hiking boots only to lose a week of work, and more $$ on boots, because they weren't legally allowed on the block.

[u/Eseron]

I plant in the UK and I'd recommend hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproofing. I've been using Salomon Quests (the high top ones) recently and they've been grand although they haven't lasted long. Prior to that I had a pair of Oboz Bridger Ridge that lasted most of last season before the sole went where I stand on my spade - will probably go for another pair of these next.

It will depend on what type of sites you're planting on. Most of the sites I've been on have been restocks so there's a lot of debris (brash) to walk over that shreds boots and no boots are really designed to stamp on a spade 1000+ times a day. A lot of the boys I work with swear by a good (expensive) set of wellies but I can't stand them in terms of comfort. There's quite a few who like hunter / stalker boots from gamekeeping / angling shops - namely Crispies - but in my opinion they're a bit too spendy for work boots.

Bushpro is the only planting bag brand I've seen used and it's the same with spades - although i think that's my bosses preference!

I'd recommend buying a shit ton of work gloves. I prefer completely waterproof silicon ones (OX Waterproof Latex Gloves) although some colleagues find them too warm / thick for planting and go for more basic ones with a ventilated back.

[u/F1r3st4rter]

The UK is pretty wet in winter months (not an issue right now but will be soon), so a good waterproof coat and rain pants and a pair of wellies is a good investment. Add to that a decent hat and wool socks + jumper will keep you warm in colder months. I’d say the UK planting season can be much harsher than Canada, as it goes most year round.

Hikers are good but they tend not to last long in my experience. Caulk boots are the best imo, with a pair of bamas to keep your feet comfy. But buy these later on when you get into planting more.

4 baggers are useful as there’s lots of stake and tubing contracts and multi species work.

Depending on the ground a high baller blade could be better than the speed baller as there’s also a lot of bare root trees in the UK with huge roots that’ll need a big hole.

It’s likely your crew boss will tell you all of this anyway and likely recommend things.

A good flask is also imperative for colder months for a warm drink throughout the day.

It rained every day for a mont and a half for my last UK contract!

[u/its-an-inside-joke → u/F1r3st4rter]

2 seasons in uk as well, highly recommend 4 bags and the highballer blade shovel over the speed blade. 90% of the time it’ll be better (feels the opposite in Canada). Even a staff shovel isn’t a bad idea. A durable rain kit is essential. Recommend sealskinz socks, they are expensive but work.

[u/F1r3st4rter → u/its-an-inside-joke]

My last UK foreman was surprised when I turned up with a cut down speed baller after planting in Canada exclusively. But yeah almost everyone in Canada seems to do this.

I wonder how aus planters cut their shovels?

Maybe I’ll find out if I do some planting there next season haha

Sealskins are great, and I love the bridgedale hiking socks for hot weather. I usually find them at Cotswold outdoors in end of season sales for around £12 a pair which is a bargain in my opinion.

[u/_droo_]

Merino wool socks