No. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a tree chopped down to a stump does not grow back. Plant fruit or a sapling to grow a replacement. Fruit does return on a surviving fruit tree, which is different from the tree itself regrowing.
What happens after you chop down a tree?
The tree is gone and a stump remains; the stump does not turn back into a tree. For the specific regrowth mechanic, the GameWith ACNH Strategy Team’s tree growth guide, last updated August 21, 2022, says cut trees do not grow back.
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How to grow a replacement tree
Plant a piece of fruit or carry a sapling to the spot where you want the new tree. Nintendo’s island guide describes both options for planting trees around your island.
Does fruit grow back?
Yes. Fruit returns after a few days on a fruit tree that is still standing. That replenishes the fruit; it does not restore a chopped-down tree. This distinction is also covered in the GameWith tree growth guide.
#1 Best Overall
![Animal Crossings New Horizons - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ErvUL40zL._SL160_.jpg)
- Build your community from scratch on a deserted island brimming with possibility; Create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself
- Collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools. Then, use what you create to give your island a personal touch
- Watch as the time of day and seasons match real life—even your hemisphere. Each day holds potential for surprises and discoveries
- Get to know the island residents, garden, fish, decorate, hunt for fossils, and more.
- Show off your paradise – play on the same system with a total of 4 people, or play together online or over local wireless for fun with up to 8 players
How to gather wood without cutting down a tree
Use a Flimsy Axe or Stone Axe when collecting wood if you want to keep the tree. GameWith recommends these axe types for gathering materials without chopping the tree down; its guide says striking a tree three times with an axe cuts it down.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
![Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JAzQozLgL._SL160_.jpg)
- Take in-game photos of your designs and add them to your portfolio. Show them to other characters and you may get more requests to create vacation homes. Share the photos with other players using the in-game Showroom in the Happy Home Network app and they can tour your personally-designed resort islands or go tour theirs for some relaxation and inspiration.
- Purchase the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC from Nintendo eShop, or download and play it as part of an active Nintendo Switch Online plus Expansion Pack membership at no extra cost.
Rank #2
- Share Your Paradise - Show off your island utopia to family and friends - or pack your bags and visit theirs.
- Get Building - Experience a robust new crafting system - collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools!
- Create Your Perfect Getaway - Craft everything from tools to creature comforts as you create and customize your island community.
- Explore Your Island - Collect bugs, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean.
- Play Together - Up to eight players can reside on an island; four residents of the same island can play together simultaneously on a single system.
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