Can a Tree Grow Next to a Fence in Animal Crossing?

Yes, trees can grow next to fences in Animal Crossing, but with some crucial caveats. The game’s mechanics allow for a degree of flexibility in planting locations, but also enforce specific rules to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper growth. While fences won’t directly stunt tree growth, the proximity of a fence can influence how you organize your island. Let’s delve into the specifics of tree planting near fences, and explore other related frequently asked questions.

Tree Placement Rules Near Fences

The fundamental rule in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) is that trees require a single empty block of space around them in all directions to grow. This means if a fence is placed directly adjacent to a sapling, the tree will grow, as the game only checks for objects preventing growth in the eight surrounding blocks. However, if that block next to the fence were occupied by another tree, a building, a cliff, or water, that tree would not grow. It’s crucial to distinguish between what hinders the growth of a sapling vs what is merely adjacent to a tree after it has grown.

Once a tree has matured, it does not need the one block space anymore. This means that trees that have grown fully can be right next to other items, including fences. The key is the space while it’s a sapling.

Understanding the Block System

Think of the Animal Crossing world as a grid, with each block representing a specific unit of space. Trees need this unoccupied space around them to thrive during their sapling stage. Once they have grown fully, the space restrictions no longer apply. Fences, being essentially cosmetic items, do not block tree growth provided the required space is available when the tree is a sapling.

Fences as Island Decorations

In essence, fences are great for decoration and help with creating themed areas in the game. You can use fences to box in trees, make pathways, or create decorative boarders. The use of fencing and trees are not exclusive, they can be used in tandem to make beautiful island designs.

FAQs: Planting Trees in Animal Crossing

Here are some additional insights and answers to frequently asked questions regarding tree planting in ACNH:

1. Do trees grow around fences?

Yes, trees can grow around fences, but only if the necessary free space is there when the tree is a sapling. Once the tree is fully grown it will grow just fine if it’s next to a fence. Fences do not affect the grown tree, they only affect the growth of a young tree sapling.

2. Will trees grow next to each other in Animal Crossing?

No, trees cannot grow directly next to each other. You need to ensure each tree sapling has at least one empty block around it. You can, however, plant bushes directly next to trees to create a decorative “tree hedge” effect. Once fully grown, you may place trees next to each other if the space was clear when they were saplings.

3. What happens if I plant too many trees too close?

If you plant saplings too close together they will not grow. Trees require one empty block space around them in each direction. If this space is blocked they will remain as saplings. The game also limits the total amount of tree saplings in a small area.

4. Is there a limit to how many trees I can have on my island?

Yes, the tree limit in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is 220. This limit includes all types of trees; hardwood, cedar, fruit trees (including coconuts), and bamboo. Baby/non-adult trees do not count towards this limit.

5. Why are my trees not growing in Animal Crossing?

There are several reasons why trees may not grow:

• Too close to other trees: Ensure there is a one block gap around the sapling.
• Too many saplings in a small area: There is a limit of 15 saplings (trees and hibiscuses) within a 5×5 square area.
• “Dead Spots”: There might be certain areas on your island where trees refuse to grow, even if there is adequate space.
• Too close to a cliff, building, or water: Saplings need to be one space away from these items.

6. Do I need to water trees in Animal Crossing?

No, you do not need to water trees in Animal Crossing. Once you plant the sapling, they will grow on their own without needing any further care.

7. How close can I plant to a cliff, building, or water?

You cannot grow trees within one block of cliffs, buildings, or water. The rule is the same as with trees; the sapling requires one free block.

8. Can I move trees in Animal Crossing?

Yes, you can move any fully-grown tree using a shovel. Simply dig up the tree and you can replant it somewhere else on your island. Once you’ve dug it up, a full grown tree will act as if it is a sapling again in that it will need a one block perimeter to grow.

9. What’s the difference between different tree types?

There are a few main tree types:

• Hardwood Trees: These are the regular, brown barked trees found naturally on your island. They drop wood and can contain bells or furniture.
• Cedar Trees: These are the pine-like trees with a distinct look. They grow in a different style to other trees, being slightly more narrow, but they drop the same resources as hardwood trees.
• Fruit Trees: These grow the native fruit of your island and any other fruit you plant. They will produce fruit.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is a plant similar to trees and can be planted in a similar fashion. They grow Bamboo shoots which can be dug up.
• Money Trees: You can plant money trees by burying money using a shovel. They will produce 3 bags of bells, but only once.

10. What happens when I chop down trees in Animal Crossing?

Chopping down trees provides essential resources like wood. The tree leaves a stump behind.

11. How do I get rid of tree stumps in Animal Crossing?

You can remove tree stumps with a shovel. Dig the stump up to free up the space. It also gives you a little more wood!

12. Are trees important in Animal Crossing?

Yes, trees are vital in Animal Crossing. They provide wood, fruits, bells, and sometimes even furniture. They also help you shape your island.

13. How many fruit trees should I have on my island?

The amount of fruit trees you have is completely up to the player. You can have as many or as few as you like, so long as you’re under the max tree limit of 220.

14. How do you create an espaliered tree in Animal Crossing?

Espalier, which is a training technique for trees along fences, is not available in ACNH. You can mimic this effect by planting trees or bushes very closely to fences.

15. What is Perfect Fruit in Animal Crossing?

Perfect fruit is a special variation of your native fruit. They can be planted to grow more perfect fruit, but can only grow on the same island where the original perfect fruit was grown. They sell for 3,000 bells in foreign markets and have a shimmering appearance.

Conclusion

While trees can grow next to fences in Animal Crossing, understanding the game’s spatial rules is crucial. By following these simple planting rules, and understanding the nuances around different tree types, you can create a flourishing and beautiful island. The key takeaway is to remember that trees need that one block of free space surrounding them while they’re still saplings, so plan accordingly and let your creativity run wild!