How to Grow Fruit Trees in Animal Crossing: A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivating Your Virtual Orchard

How to Grow Fruit Trees in Animal Crossing: A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivating Your Virtual Orchard

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captured the hearts of millions with its charming gameplay, relaxing atmosphere, and endless customization options. One of the most rewarding aspects of the game is cultivating your island, and growing fruit trees is a key part of that experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing fruit trees in Animal Crossing, from planting to harvesting, and even some quirky tips to make your orchard stand out.


1. Understanding the Basics of Fruit Trees

In Animal Crossing, fruit trees are a staple of island life. They provide a steady source of income, add aesthetic appeal to your island, and can even be used in crafting recipes. There are six types of native fruit trees in the game: apples, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, and coconuts. Each island starts with one native fruit, but you can obtain the others through trading with friends, visiting mystery islands, or receiving them as gifts.

Native vs. Non-Native Fruits

  • Native Fruits: These are the fruits that naturally grow on your island. They sell for 100 Bells each at Nook’s Cranny.
  • Non-Native Fruits: These are fruits that don’t naturally grow on your island. They sell for 500 Bells each, making them a lucrative option for farming.

2. Planting and Growing Fruit Trees

Step 1: Obtaining Fruit

To start growing fruit trees, you’ll need fruit. You can shake your native fruit trees to collect fruit, or obtain non-native fruits through trading or visiting other islands.

Step 2: Digging a Hole

Once you have fruit, equip a shovel and dig a hole where you want to plant the tree. Make sure there’s enough space around the hole for the tree to grow—fruit trees require at least one empty space on all sides.

Step 3: Planting the Fruit

Open your inventory, select the fruit, and choose “Plant.” The fruit will be buried in the hole, and a sapling will appear. Over the next few days, the sapling will grow into a fully mature fruit tree.

Step 4: Watering (Optional)

While fruit trees don’t require watering to grow, some players enjoy the ritual of watering their trees for good luck. It doesn’t affect growth speed, but it adds a personal touch to your gardening routine.


3. Maximizing Your Orchard’s Potential

Optimal Layout

To make the most of your orchard, consider organizing your trees in a grid pattern. This not only looks neat but also makes harvesting easier. Leave at least one space between each tree to ensure they grow properly.

Fruit Rotation

Fruit trees produce fruit every three days. To maintain a steady income, stagger your planting schedule so that some trees are always ready to harvest.

Coconut Trees

Coconut trees are unique because they only grow on the beach. Plant coconuts in the sand to create a tropical vibe for your island. Coconuts sell for 250 Bells each, making them a decent mid-tier option.


4. Advanced Tips and Tricks

Money Trees

One of the most exciting features in Animal Crossing is the money tree. When you find a glowing spot on the ground, dig it up to reveal 1,000 Bells. If you bury Bells in the glowing hole, a money tree will grow, yielding three times the amount you buried (up to 10,000 Bells for a maximum return of 30,000 Bells).

Decorating Your Orchard

Add personality to your orchard by incorporating custom designs, fences, and pathways. Use fruit-themed furniture like the fruit basket or fruit wreath to enhance the theme.

Hybrid Fruit Trees

While hybrid fruit trees aren’t a feature in the game, you can create the illusion of a hybrid orchard by planting different fruit trees close together. This creates a colorful and diverse landscape.


5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Trees Not Growing

If your trees aren’t growing, it’s likely because they’re too close to other trees, buildings, or cliffs. Make sure each tree has enough space to thrive.

Fruit Not Appearing

Fruit trees take three days to produce fruit after being planted. If your tree isn’t bearing fruit, give it a little more time.

Dead Trees

In the winter months, some trees may appear dead. Don’t worry—they’ll come back to life in the spring. Alternatively, you can chop them down and plant new ones.


6. The Joy of Fruit Trees in Animal Crossing

Growing fruit trees in Animal Crossing is more than just a way to earn Bells—it’s a way to express your creativity and make your island uniquely yours. Whether you’re designing a sprawling orchard, a cozy fruit grove, or a beachside coconut paradise, the possibilities are endless. So grab your shovel, plant some fruit, and watch your island flourish!


FAQs

Q1: Can I move fruit trees after planting them?

Yes, you can move fruit trees by eating a fruit to gain strength and then using a shovel to dig up the tree. Replant it wherever you like!

Q2: How long does it take for a fruit tree to grow?

Fruit trees take about five days to grow from a sapling to a fully mature tree.

Q3: Do fruit trees die in the winter?

No, fruit trees don’t die in the winter, but they may appear bare or “dead.” They’ll return to normal in the spring.

Q4: Can I grow fruit trees indoors?

No, fruit trees can only be planted outdoors on your island.

Q5: What’s the best way to earn Bells from fruit trees?

Planting non-native fruit trees is the most profitable option, as they sell for 500 Bells each. Coconuts are also a good choice for beachside farming.


Happy planting, and may your island be forever fruitful!