How do I use the cultivator to grow pine trees for core wood?

Growing pine trees in Valheim is an efficient way to farm core wood, a valuable resource for crafting advanced items like fine wood bows and reinforced chests. To start, you need a cultivator, which is crafted at a forge using 5 core wood and 5 bronze. The cultivator allows you to plant seeds and saplings, including pine cones, which grow into pine trees. Pine trees are found in the Black Forest biome, so you’ll need to explore this area to gather pine cones.\n\nTo grow pine trees, first, ensure you have pine cones in your inventory. These are obtained by chopping down pine trees in the Black Forest. Each tree drops 1-3 pine cones, so gather as many as possible. Next, equip the cultivator and select the ‘Cultivate’ option to prepare the ground. This turns the soil into a plantable area. Then, switch to the ‘Plant’ option and select pine cones to plant them. Ensure you leave enough space between each sapling, as pine trees grow large and need room to expand.\n\nOne common challenge is finding enough space to plant multiple trees. Pine trees require a significant amount of space to grow properly, so choose a flat, open area in the Meadows or Black Forest biome. Avoid planting near structures or other trees, as this can block growth. If a sapling doesn’t grow, it’s likely due to insufficient space or sunlight. To maximize efficiency, create a dedicated tree farm with rows of saplings spaced at least 4-5 meters apart.\n\nAnother tip is to use the hoe to level the ground before planting. Uneven terrain can prevent saplings from growing, so flattening the area ensures optimal conditions. Additionally, protect your tree farm by building a fence or wall around it to prevent creatures like greylings or trolls from destroying your saplings. This is especially important in the Black Forest, where hostile mobs are common.\n\nOnce your pine trees are fully grown, use a bronze axe or better to chop them down. Each tree yields 15-25 core wood, making this method highly efficient for farming this resource. To speed up the process, consider planting multiple rows of saplings and rotating between different areas to allow trees to grow while you harvest others.\n\nFor experienced players, combining tree farming with other resource-gathering activities can save time. For example, while waiting for pine trees to grow, you can mine copper or tin in the Black Forest or hunt for deer in the Meadows. This multitasking approach ensures you’re always making progress in the game.\n\nIn summary, growing pine trees with the cultivator is a straightforward yet highly effective way to farm core wood in Valheim. By preparing the ground, spacing saplings properly, and protecting your farm, you can create a sustainable source of this valuable resource. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned Viking, mastering tree farming will significantly enhance your gameplay experience.