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Animal Crossing: New Horizons Tree Spacing: How to Master

By Jack O'Dwyer

Once planted, trees grow within 3 days. Not that it matters since you can just dig them up whole to replant
Once planted, trees grow within 3 days. Not that it matters since you can just dig them up whole to replant / Nintendo

Animal Crossing: New Horizons tree spacing as back as the infamous system makes a return.

Ever wonder why you can't seem to grow any trees in Animal Crossing? Fortunately, there are powerful beings we can ask for help with this matter. Here's what we've uncovered and translated from the ancient tomes for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Tree Spacing: How to Master

The system is pretty specific and operates as follows. Each island has what could be referred to as an invisible grid. The grid can be uncovered by using your shovel. Notice how each hole is specifically placed and spaced like boxed points on a piece of graph paper? That's exactly what we're talking about.

In order for a sapling to grow and reach its full potential, there needs to be one unused or unobstructed grid space around each side of it. Without this space, the sapling won't grow. It'll just get "eaten" or rot away and become unusable. This can be especially frustrating for players looking to grow exotic fruits or decorate their towns with a lush forest.

The best way to check for spacing is to use your shovel. Make sure you can dig holes all the way around your sapling (without digging it up, of course) before leaving it to grow. You should be able to dig eight holes all around it.

Obstacles that could potentially harm your future trees include flowers, other trees of all kinds, bodies of water, and buildings.