Why Are My Trees Not Growing in Stardew Valley?
If you’re a Stardew Valley player scratching your head, wondering why your carefully planted trees aren’t flourishing, you’re not alone. The most common reason is that your tree sapling is not in a clear 3×3 area. Fruit trees specifically require a clear 3×3 grid around them to grow. This means that every single tile within this grid must be completely free of obstacles. We’re talking no rocks, weeds, grass, flooring, crafted items (like sprinklers), or any other object. If even one of those tiles is blocked, your tree simply won’t grow. This can be a frustrating hurdle, especially when you’re excited about a bountiful harvest. Let’s dive deeper into this common issue and other factors that might be hindering your tree growth in Stardew Valley.
Common Growth Obstacles
The 3×3 Rule for Fruit Trees
As previously stated, fruit trees are particularly sensitive. They need a completely clear 3×3 area to develop. The game will actually alert you with a message in the morning, saying “Your fruit tree wasn’t able to grow last night” if an obstacle is present. This message is a clear sign that you need to examine the space around your fruit tree carefully. Remember, this rule applies even if the obstruction is seemingly minor, like a single patch of grass that sprouted overnight.
Spacing Issues with Other Trees
While non-fruit trees, like maple, oak, and pine, don’t require a completely clear 3×3 area, they still have spacing needs. If planted too close together, their growth rate will slow down significantly. Unlike fruit trees, they won’t halt their growth entirely, but spacing them at least two tiles apart is highly recommended to optimize growth speed. Tree fertilizer is an alternative solution if you’ve planted them too close and are unable to relocate them, but spacing is the most effective solution for faster growth.
Obstructions in the Greenhouse
Even within the protective confines of the greenhouse, trees are susceptible to growth issues. The greenhouse itself doesn’t interfere with growth, but any items placed within their 3×3 area will prevent their development. This includes sprinklers, paths, or other placed items. Ensure your chosen spots inside the greenhouse meet the clear 3×3 grid requirement for each tree.
Natural Growth Stages
Trees in Stardew Valley have a growth cycle that progresses through various stages. They advance one stage daily, with a 20% chance to advance to the next stage. If you have bad luck with the randomization, your trees might simply appear to be growing slower than expected. This can be especially frustrating as they can take a couple of in-game weeks to fully mature. Be patient; even without fertilizers, they will reach their final stage.
The “Non-Growth” Misconception
Finally, be aware that trees in Stardew Valley don’t require any watering. Unlike crops, they grow naturally. You don’t need to tend to them daily. Also, don’t assume they stop growing during the winter. Fruit trees continue to grow all year around, and they will produce all year around if they’re planted in the greenhouse or on Ginger Island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I place a tree too close to another?
Fruit trees won’t grow if they are not within a 3×3 clear area; the game will also not allow you to plant fruit trees too close together in the first place. Non-fruit trees will grow if they are too close, but their growth will be severely slowed. You’ll need to ensure a minimum of two tiles in each direction for optimal growth of non-fruit trees.
2. Does tree fertilizer help fruit trees grow faster?
Unfortunately not. Tree fertilizer only speeds up the growth of wild trees, like maple, oak, and pine. It won’t affect the growth rate of fruit trees.
3. Can I move a tree once it’s planted?
No, trees cannot be moved once they are planted. This is particularly important to consider when placing expensive fruit tree saplings; if you make a mistake, you cannot retrieve the sapling and will need to buy a new one.
4. Can I place fences around my tree saplings?
You cannot place any object including fences in the 3×3 grid surrounding a tree sapling. Once the tree is fully grown, then you can place fences in the surrounding tiles.
5. Do trees grow back in Stardew Valley?
Naturally occurring trees will regrow when they are chopped down. However, trees you plant yourself won’t regrow once chopped, meaning you will have to buy or craft more saplings if you wish to grow more trees.
6. Why won’t my trees grow in the Greenhouse?
The greenhouse itself won’t prevent tree growth, but any obstruction in the surrounding 3×3 grid will. Make sure all tiles within the 3×3 grid of any tree are completely free of objects.
7. How long does it take for a tree to fully grow?
On average, trees have a 20% chance to advance to the next growth stage each day. They have 4 growth stages total before they are fully mature. The time to fully grow can be random; some may grow faster than others. Fruit trees also have an additional growth period between the tree being mature and producing fruit.
8. Do I need to water trees?
No, trees do not need to be watered. They grow on their own without player intervention.
9. What is the most profitable tree in Stardew Valley?
When it comes to trees purchased from Pierre’s, pomegranate and peach trees are the most profitable. They produce fruit that sells for higher prices. However, it is also important to consider that pomegranate trees and peach trees are also more expensive.
10. How do I get tree fertilizer?
Tree fertilizer is crafted after you reach foraging level seven, and the recipe requires 5 fiber and 5 stone.
11. Do trees grow in the winter?
Yes, trees grow all year round, including during the winter.
12. Why do some of my trees grow faster than others?
Growth is affected by randomization; trees have a 20% chance of advancing to the next growth stage each day. This means that some trees may grow quicker than others.
13. Do trees grow on Ginger Island?
Yes, trees grow on Ginger Island and also will produce fruit all year round.
14. Can I get hardwood from my own trees?
No, the trees you plant won’t provide hardwood. You’ll need to source it from stumps in areas like the Secret Woods or specific stumps on the various farm maps.
15. How close can I plant fruit trees to each other?
The game won’t actually allow you to plant fruit trees too close to each other. They force you to place them a minimum of two tiles apart from each other, in every direction.
By understanding these rules and common pitfalls, you can successfully cultivate a thriving grove in Stardew Valley. Remember to be patient, plan your space carefully, and enjoy the fruits (pun intended!) of your labor. Happy farming!