Do You Need Trees in Animal Crossing? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely need trees in Animal Crossing! They are not just decorative elements; they are fundamental to gameplay, resource gathering, and even achieving a coveted high island rating. From providing essential materials to harboring valuable insects, trees are integral to a thriving island. Without them, your Animal Crossing experience would be severely limited. Let’s delve into why trees are so crucial and address some common questions.
Why Trees Are Essential in Animal Crossing
Resource Gathering
Trees are a primary source of resources in Animal Crossing. By hitting trees with an axe, you can obtain wood, softwood, and hardwood, all crucial crafting materials. These materials are used to create tools, furniture, and many other items. The type of wood varies randomly per tree, so having a variety ensures you have what you need. Without trees, you’d struggle to acquire these basics, hindering your island’s development and your ability to craft.
Bell and Furniture Harvesting
Regular trees are not just for wood! By shaking trees, you can sometimes get Bells – the game’s currency – or even furniture! While not every tree will yield these items, maintaining a healthy population of trees is your best bet to find them. This random reward makes shaking trees a daily ritual for many players and a crucial aspect of economic sustainability. Specifically, it has been found that 10 trees will have Bells and 2 will hold furniture.
Bug Catching
Trees are often homes or hang-out spots for bugs. Certain insects can only be found on tree trunks or hiding within their canopies, and tree stumps are required to catch some insects. This means, that for completing your critterpedia and collecting special items and creatures, trees are vital. Without trees, these bugs will not appear and you will be left with an incomplete collection.
Island Score
Trees contribute significantly to your island’s score. A well-balanced island with the right amount of trees is crucial for achieving a 5-star rating. Isabelle, who assesses your island, will tell you if you have too few or too many. However, keep in mind that the scoring is based on an 8×8 grid system and a balance of furniture, flowers, fencing, and trees, not just a huge number of trees. The game does have a limit of 220 trees.
Fruit Production
Many trees bear fruit that can be harvested and sold for profit, used in crafting recipes, or eaten to gain a temporary strength boost, allowing you to uproot trees or smash rocks. Selling non-native fruits at other player’s islands is a valuable source of income. The ability to grow various fruits can be a huge boost to your resources.
Money Trees
Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of trees is the ability to grow money trees. By burying Bells in a glowing spot, you can grow a tree that will yield a substantial amount of Bells once mature, this is a one-time reward for the tree, after the bells are shaken off, it will turn into a regular tree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trees in Animal Crossing
1. How Many Trees Should I Have on My Island?
Ideally, you should aim for around 190 trees to reach the required rating for a 5-star island. This number does come with the other requirements for island rating, such as the correct amount of furniture and fencing. There is a maximum limit of 220 trees in total, and after this Isabelle will start to advise there are too many trees.
2. Do I Need to Water Trees to Make Them Grow?
No, you do not need to water trees in Animal Crossing. Once planted, they will grow on their own.
3. How Do I Grow Trees?
To grow trees, you can bury saplings, fruit, or Bells. Saplings can be purchased at Nook’s Cranny. Fruit can also be planted which will grow into the type of fruit used in the ground. Lastly, Bells can be buried to create a money tree.
4. What Are the Different Types of Trees?
There are several types of trees: hardwood, cedar (pine), fruit (including coconut), and bamboo. Each serves a different function, be that with their resources, fruit or aesthetics.
5. Can I Have Too Many Trees?
Yes, you can have too many trees. The maximum limit is 220 trees. Over this number, Isabelle will start commenting that there are too many trees. This includes all types of trees, as well as bamboo and bushes.
6. Can I Keep Trees Small?
Yes, you can stop a tree from growing by planting a fruit directly behind the tree. This way the tree will stay in the sapling stage and not continue to grow.
7. What Happens If I Cut Down a Tree?
If you cut down a tree with an axe, it will turn into a stump. Tree stumps don’t grow back and need to be removed with a shovel.
8. Do Trees Grow Back When Chopped Down?
No, trees do not grow back once chopped down. They remain as stumps until removed. This means to get a tree back in its place, you will have to plant a new sapling or fruit.
9. How Do I Get Wood From Trees?
To get wood, you need to hit the tree with an axe. You will receive either wood, softwood, or hardwood. The type of wood received is random.
10. What Is the Point of Hardwood Trees?
Hardwood trees provide tree branches when shaken, as well as Bells and wasp nests. They produce wood, softwood, or hardwood when hit with an axe.
11. What Is the Point of Cedar (Pine) Trees?
Cedar trees grow only in specific locations, such as the higher elevations in your town. They do not produce fruit and provide the same resources as hardwood trees when hit by an axe. Many players use cedar trees as a marker between fruit trees due to their different look.
12. What Is the Rarest Fruit?
The rarest fruit is the perfect fruit, a variation of your native fruit. These fruits can only be grown in the town where your character was created. There is only ever one perfect fruit tree per town.
13. Which Fruit Is Worth the Most Bells?
Non-native fruit sells for 500 Bells each, making it the most valuable fruit to sell. Native fruit sells for 100 Bells and coconuts sell for 250 Bells.
14. How Do I Get Non-Native Fruit?
Isabelle may occasionally gift the player with a basket of non-native fruit. You can also get non-native fruit from trading with other players.
15. Are Money Trees Worth It?
Money trees are a good way to make Bells. They’ll only produce Bells one time, but it can provide substantial amounts of bells after a few days of growth. After shaking off the bags of bells, it will turn into a regular tree.
Conclusion
Trees are absolutely essential in Animal Crossing, serving various purposes that are vital for gameplay and island development. They are not just decorations; they are a core mechanic of the game. From providing essential resources and earning Bells to achieving a 5-star rating, trees are indispensable. By understanding their value and function, you can create a thriving and beautiful island. So yes, you definitely need trees in Animal Crossing! Make the most of your resources and make sure you are managing the number of trees well for the best results!