Ever found yourself staring at a magnificent oak, a sturdy pine, or even a pesky sapling on your Animal Crossing island, and thought, “I wish I could just… chop that down?” Whether you’re clearing space for a new building, gathering essential resources, or simply want to reshape your island’s landscape, knowing how to fell a tree is a fundamental skill. It’s not as straightforward as just whacking it with a stick, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the tools you’ll need to the best strategies for efficient tree removal.
Getting rid of unwanted trees or harvesting wood for crafting is a common task in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It’s a core mechanic that allows for significant island customization and resource management. So, let’s get straight to it and learn how you can become a master tree chopper on your very own island paradise!
Mastering the Art of Tree Chopping in Animal Crossing
Chopping down trees in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a vital part of island development. It allows you to gather wood for crafting, clear land for construction, or even just to rearrange your island’s aesthetic. While it seems simple, there are a few key things you need to know to do it efficiently and effectively. Let’s break down the process, the tools involved, and some helpful tips.
Essential Tools for Tree Felling
Before you can even think about swinging an axe, you need the right tool. In Animal Crossing, the primary tool for chopping down trees is the axe. There are several types of axes available, each with its own durability and effectiveness.
Types of Axes and How to Get Them
- Flimsy Axe: This is your starter axe. It’s not very durable and will break after only a few hits. You can craft it early in the game using 5 tree branches. It’s good for getting your first few trees down, but you’ll want to upgrade quickly.
- Stone Axe: A step up from the flimsy axe, the stone axe is more durable and requires more hits to break. You can purchase the DIY recipe for the stone axe from Nook’s Cranny for 3,000 Bells. To craft it, you’ll need 3 iron nuggets and 1 softwood. This is a solid workhorse for early to mid-game resource gathering.
- Axe: This is the standard, reliable axe. It’s significantly more durable than the flimsy or stone axe, meaning it will last much longer before breaking. You can purchase the DIY recipe for the regular axe from Nook’s Cranny for 3,000 Bells. Crafting it requires 2 iron nuggets and 1 hardwood. This is the go-to axe for most players.
- Golden Axe: The most durable axe in the game, the Golden Axe is a late-game item. It’s incredibly rare and requires the Golden Axe DIY recipe, which you obtain by chopping down 100 axes (any type). Once you have the recipe, you’ll need 1 flimsy axe and 3 gold nuggets to craft it. The Golden Axe can be used infinitely without breaking, making it the ultimate tool for mass tree clearing.
How to Equip Your Axe
Once you’ve crafted or purchased an axe, you need to equip it. Select the axe from your inventory and choose “Equip.” Now, when you approach a tree, your character will automatically hold the axe, ready for action.
The Step-by-Step Process of Chopping Down a Tree
Chopping down a tree is a straightforward process, but there are a few nuances to be aware of.
- Approach the Tree: Stand in front of the tree you wish to chop down.
- Equip Your Axe: Make sure your axe is equipped in your tool ring.
- Press ‘A’ to Swing: Press the ‘A’ button to swing your axe. Your character will perform an animation and hit the tree.
- Repeat Swinging: Continue pressing ‘A’ to swing your axe at the tree. The number of swings required depends on the type of axe you are using and the type of tree.
Important Note on Tree Types: Different trees require a different number of swings. For example, a young sapling might only need a few hits, while a fully grown hardwood or cedar will require more. The stone axe and regular axe are generally sufficient for most trees. The flimsy axe will break very quickly, so it’s best used for initial clearing or if you’re in a pinch.
What Happens When the Tree Falls?
Once you’ve delivered enough hits, the tree will dramatically fall to the ground with a satisfying crunch. As it falls, it will drop three Wood (or Softwood/Hardwood depending on the tree type) and potentially a Tree Branch. These items will appear on the ground around where the tree once stood. (See Also: how to remove tree sap from car)
Collecting the Resources
Simply walk over the fallen wood and branches to pick them up and add them to your inventory. These resources are crucial for crafting furniture, tools, and other essential items.
Dealing with Stumps and Replanting
After a tree falls, a tree stump will remain in its place. These stumps can be used for various purposes:
- Sitting: You can sit on stumps, which can be a nice way to enjoy the scenery.
- Decoration: Some players use stumps as natural decorative elements.
- Fossil Digging: Sometimes, fossils can be found buried where a tree was.
- Removal: If you want to completely remove the stump, you’ll need a Shovel. Equip your shovel, stand next to the stump, and press ‘A’ to dig it up. The stump will be added to your inventory.
Replanting Trees: If you want to grow new trees, you have a few options:
- Saplings: Purchase saplings from Nook’s Cranny or Leif. Plant these directly into the ground.
- Fruit: Plant any type of fruit (apples, pears, cherries, etc.) into the ground using a shovel. After a few days, a tree will grow from the fruit. This is the most common way to plant new fruit trees.
- Hardwood/Softwood Trees: To grow more hardwood and softwood trees, you’ll need to plant tree starts. These are obtained by digging up stumps or by planting a single piece of Softwood or Hardwood into the ground. After a few days, a tree will grow.
Important Note on Tree Growth: Trees generally take a few days to grow to full maturity. Ensure they have enough space around them to grow properly (at least one empty space in all directions).
Advanced Techniques and Considerations
While basic tree chopping is simple, there are some advanced tips and tricks that can make the process more efficient and strategic.
Preventing Trees From Falling Where You Don’t Want Them
Sometimes, a tree might fall in an inconvenient direction, blocking paths or damaging nearby structures. To prevent this, you can strategically place items around the tree before you start chopping. For example, placing furniture or other objects on the side you don’t want the tree to fall can sometimes influence its direction, although this isn’t always 100% guaranteed.
Efficient Wood Gathering: The Three-Hit Trick
Did you know you can get wood from a tree without chopping it down entirely? If you want to harvest wood but keep the tree standing, you can use a trick. First, eat a piece of fruit (this gives you one “hit” power). Then, stand in front of the tree and swing your axe. You will get one piece of wood. If you eat another piece of fruit, you can get a second piece of wood. However, if you eat a third piece of fruit and swing, the tree will fall, yielding three pieces of wood. (See Also: how to draw a tree easy)
This method is useful if you need wood but don’t want to alter the landscape too drastically. Remember, eating one piece of fruit allows for one extra swing before the tree falls. Eating two pieces of fruit allows for two extra swings. Eating three pieces of fruit will result in the tree falling on the third swing.
Felling Multiple Trees Quickly: The Golden Axe Advantage
If you’re undertaking a major island makeover and need to clear a large area of trees, the Golden Axe is your best friend. Its infinite durability means you won’t be interrupted by crafting or replacing tools. Combine this with the fruit trick (eating three fruits to fell a tree in three swings) and you can clear entire forests at an unprecedented pace.
Why Chop Down Trees? Common Reasons
Players chop down trees for a variety of reasons:
- Resource Gathering: Wood (Softwood, Hardwood, Wood) is essential for crafting almost everything in the game.
- Island Layout: Clearing trees is necessary to make space for buildings, paths, gardens, and other custom designs.
- Aesthetic Changes: Some players prefer a more open island and will remove trees to achieve a specific look.
- Access to Areas: Sometimes trees might block access to hidden areas or valuable spots.
- Fossil and Money Rock Hunting: Clearing trees can make it easier to spot the shimmering spots for digging fossils or hitting money rocks.
What If I Accidentally Chop Down a Tree?
Don’t panic if you accidentally chop down a tree you didn’t mean to! If you haven’t picked up the wood yet, you can simply ignore it. If you want to replace the tree, remember you can replant using saplings, fruit, or tree starts as mentioned earlier. The game is forgiving, and there’s always a way to fix your island’s layout.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While tree chopping is generally smooth, here are a few common hiccups:
- Axe Not Working: Ensure the axe is equipped and not broken. If it’s broken, craft or buy a new one.
- Tree Not Falling: Make sure you’re using a stone axe or better and have hit it enough times. The flimsy axe breaks too quickly for full tree felling.
- Can’t Dig Up Stump: You need a shovel equipped to dig up stumps.
- Trees Not Growing: Ensure there’s enough space around the planting spot and that you’ve planted a sapling, fruit, or tree start correctly.
The Importance of Different Wood Types
It’s worth noting that different trees yield different types of wood. Cedar trees typically yield Hardwood, while other trees yield Softwood and general Wood. Knowing which trees to chop for specific resources can be beneficial for certain crafting recipes.
Wood Types and Sources: (See Also: how many magic tree house books are there)
| Wood Type | Primary Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood | Most regular trees | Common crafting material. |
| Hardwood | Cedar trees (taller, thinner pines) | Used in many recipes. |
| Wood | Fruit trees, Bamboo | Essential for many recipes, especially furniture. |
Bamboo, which grows on its own island or can be planted, also yields Wood when chopped. Remember to use your axe on bamboo stalks to harvest this valuable resource.
When Not to Chop Down Trees
While chopping down trees is useful, there are times when you should reconsider:
- For Aesthetics: Sometimes, a well-placed tree or a grove of trees adds beauty and character to your island. Don’t chop them all down if you enjoy their presence.
- For Fruit: Fruit trees provide a consistent source of income and crafting materials. Only chop them if you intend to replant them elsewhere.
- When You Need Shade: Trees provide shade, which can be useful for certain tasks or just for visual appeal.
- To Avoid Breaking Tools: If you only need one or two pieces of wood, consider shaking trees first. Shaking a tree can yield branches or fruit, and occasionally furniture, without using any axe durability.
Always think about the long-term impact on your island’s design and resource availability before going on a chopping spree.
Final Verdict
Mastering how to chop down a tree in Animal Crossing is a fundamental skill for any island resident. With the right tools, like the reliable axe, and a little practice, you can efficiently gather resources, shape your island’s landscape, and unlock your creative potential. Remember to consider the different axe types, the fruit-eating trick for resource optimization, and the importance of replanting to maintain a thriving island. Happy chopping!
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