Are Trees Important in Animal Crossing? Absolutely!

Yes, trees are undeniably crucial in the Animal Crossing universe, particularly in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. They aren’t just decorative elements; they are foundational to your island’s economy, aesthetic, and overall gameplay progression. From providing essential resources to influencing your island’s rating, trees are arguably the most versatile and vital natural feature you’ll interact with. In short, they are not just important; they are absolutely essential.

The Multifaceted Role of Trees

Trees in Animal Crossing serve a plethora of purposes. Their importance extends beyond mere aesthetics, impacting numerous aspects of gameplay:

Economic Benefits

• Fruit Production: Many tree types produce native and non-native fruits, which are a primary source of income, especially early in the game. These fruits can be sold, eaten for energy, or used for crafting.
• Bell Rewards: Some trees, when shaken, will drop bags of Bells, offering a quick boost to your in-game wealth.
• Resource Generation: When chopped with an axe, trees provide hardwood, softwood, and wood, all essential for crafting tools and furniture.

Island Development and Progression

• Island Rating: Trees are a major component in determining your island’s star rating. Achieving a 5-star rating is a key goal for many players, and a well-balanced forest of trees is crucial for this.
• Scenery Points: A diverse and abundant selection of trees significantly boosts your island’s scenery rating, a factor that contributes to that coveted 5-star status.
• Bug Hunting: Certain insects can only be found on tree trunks or within the treetops, adding another dimension to your island’s biodiversity and your critter collection.

Beyond Functionality

• Furniture and Item Acquisition: Shaking certain trees can surprise you with dropped furniture items or DIY recipes, expanding your customization options.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Trees contribute significantly to the visual appeal of your island. Different types of trees and carefully planned landscaping can greatly impact the overall look and feel.
• Money Trees: Planting Bells in glowing holes creates money trees that yield a single harvest of multiplied Bells, further boosting your finances.

The Consequences of Mismanaging Trees

Understanding how to manage trees effectively is as critical as their benefits. Unlike some other natural resources, trees do not respawn. If a tree is cut down, it will remain a stump, requiring removal with a shovel. This means players should be strategic with their logging activities. Indiscriminately cutting down all trees can severely impair a player’s game experience, as it will take time to regrow new trees to the necessary amounts.

Optimal Tree Management

While the game encourages experimentation, there are several best practices for managing your trees effectively:

• Variety is Key: Plant a mix of fruit-bearing and non-fruit bearing trees to maximize resources, aesthetics and overall gameplay.
• Strategic Placement: Consider where you plant trees for optimal fruit and resource gathering, while also creating visually appealing landscapes.
• Avoid Overplanting: While trees are important, having too many can hinder your progress toward a 5-star rating; the ideal number seems to be below 220.
• Don’t Forget Stumps: While not aesthetically pleasing, tree stumps can be home to unique insects, making them worth keeping for certain collections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trees in Animal Crossing

Here are some common questions players have about trees in Animal Crossing, which help further illuminate their importance:

How Many Trees Should I Have on My Island?

While the game doesn’t explicitly state a minimum or maximum, a sweet spot is generally considered around 190-220 trees for a 5-star island. Exceeding 220 may result in Isabelle telling you there are too many.

What Types of Trees Are There?

There are several types including fruit trees, hardwood trees, cedar trees, and bamboo. Each type serves different purposes and produces varying resources.

Do Cut Down Trees Grow Back?

No, cut-down trees do not grow back; they leave a stump. You must remove the stump with a shovel and then plant new trees.

How Do I Get More Types of Trees?

You can find different types of fruits from mystery islands, from friends’ islands, or from other players. You can then plant these fruits on your island to grow new trees.

What’s the Point of Hardwood Trees?

Hardwood trees provide essential crafting materials like hardwood, softwood, and wood when chopped. They also drop tree branches, occasionally Bells, and wasp nests when shaken.

Do Trees Need to Be Watered?

No, trees in Animal Crossing do not require watering. Once planted, they will grow naturally.

How Do You Make Money Trees?

By burying a bag of Bells in a glowing spot, you can grow a money tree. It yields a single harvest of Bells equal to three times the buried amount.

Can I Move Existing Trees?

Yes, you can move fully-grown trees by eating a piece of fruit and digging them up with a shovel. This allows you to reposition them around your island strategically.

What Happens If I Remove All My Trees?

Removing all your trees would significantly impact your island’s income and access to crucial resources, and would greatly hinder your ability to reach a 5-star rating. Also, specific insects would become harder to find.

Do Baby Trees Count Toward the Tree Limit?

No, only fully-grown trees count towards the maximum of 220 trees. Baby trees and saplings do not contribute to the count.

What Happens When I Shake a Tree?

Shaking trees can yield fruit, Bells, wood, tree branches, wasps nests, furniture, and, on occasion, DIY recipes.

Do Bushes Count as Trees?

Yes, bushes and bamboo are also factored into the total tree count for your island, so take them into consideration.

What About Coconuts?

Coconut trees count as tree, and they produce coconuts which is a type of fruit and can be used for all the uses that fruit provides.

Can I Replant Flowers?

Yes, you can dig up flowers and replant them elsewhere on your island, allowing for greater control over your island’s look.

Why Does my Villager Cut Down Trees?

Villagers do not actively cut down trees. Villagers may however damage forest resources in the context of the game world from which they get needed supplies.

Conclusion

Trees are more than just pretty foliage in Animal Crossing. They are the lifeblood of your island, supporting your economy, influencing your island’s rating, and providing essential resources. Understanding their multifaceted role and managing them wisely is crucial for maximizing your Animal Crossing experience. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned island decorator, remember that trees are essential to creating a thriving and beautiful island paradise.