OSRS Maple vs Willow XP Which Tree Offers Better Woodcutting Experience

OSRS Maple vs Willow XP Which Tree Offers Better Woodcutting Experience

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Woodcutting is a staple skill for free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players alike. Whether you’re aiming for level 99 or just looking to level up efficiently, choosing the right tree to chop can make a significant difference. Two popular options for mid-level Woodcutting are willow trees and maple trees. But which one provides better XP per hour? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the Maple vs Willow XP debate, comparing their experience rates, locations, and strategic considerations to help you optimize your Woodcutting grind.

Before we compare XP rates, let’s break down the basics of willow and maple trees, including their requirements and characteristics.

Willow Trees: The F2P Favorite

Willow trees are accessible at level 30 Woodcutting and grant 67.5 XP per log. They’re a go-to for F2P players due to their fast chop speed and abundance in key locations. Willows are often praised for their high XP per hour, especially in crowded F2P worlds where competition is fierce.

Maple Trees: The AFK Alternative

Maple trees require level 45 Woodcutting and offer 100 XP per log. While they provide more XP per log, their slower chop speed makes them a more AFK-friendly option. Maples are less common in F2P, with the primary location being the Corsair Cove Resource Area, which requires starting The Corsair Curse and completing Dragon Slayer I.

XP Rates: Willow vs Maple

The core of the Maple vs Willow debate lies in their XP rates. Let’s analyze how these trees stack up based on chop speed, XP per log, and overall efficiency.

Willow XP Rates

Willow trees are known for their fast chop speed, allowing players to gather logs quickly. According to the OSRS Wiki, willows provide approximately 35% higher XP per hour compared to maples due to their faster cutting cycle. Without tick manipulation, players can expect around 40,000–50,000 XP per hour at level 30 Woodcutting, with rates improving as your level and axe quality increase.

Maple XP Rates

Maple trees, while offering more XP per log, have a slower chop speed, resulting in lower XP per hour. The OSRS Wiki notes that maples yield about 30,000–36,000 XP per hour without tick manipulation, making them roughly one-third less efficient than willows for XP grinding. However, their slower pace makes them ideal for players who prefer a more relaxed, AFK training method.

Tick Manipulation: A Game-Changer?

Advanced players can use tick manipulation (e.g., using a snow globe from a Christmas event) to boost willow XP rates. This technique reduces the delay between log rolls from 4 ticks to 3, potentially increasing XP by 33.3%. For willows, this could push rates to 50,000–60,000 XP per hour. Maples benefit less from tick manipulation due to their slower base speed, making willows the clear winner for dedicated grinders.

Best Locations for Chopping Willows and Maples

Location plays a huge role in Woodcutting efficiency, especially in F2P where banking or dropping logs impacts your XP per hour. Here’s a breakdown of the best spots for each tree.

Top Willow Tree Locations

  • Draynor Village (5 trees): Located southwest of the bank, this is the most popular F2P spot due to its proximity to a bank. Beware of aggressive level 7 dark wizards if you’re below combat level 15.
  • Port Sarim (14 trees): South of the jail and church, this spot is great for low-level players avoiding dark wizards. A bank deposit box is nearby on the docks.
  • Lumbridge (6 trees): Next to Farmer Fred’s house, ideal if you don’t need to bank and want a quieter spot.
  • Rimmington (several trees): Southwest of Rimmington, this is another low-traffic option for dropping logs.

Top Maple Tree Locations

Maple trees are scarce in F2P, with only one viable location:

  • Corsair Cove Resource Area (4 trees): Requires starting The Corsair Curse and completing Dragon Slayer I. The area is far from a bank, making dropping logs the best strategy for XP. This spot is less crowded but less convenient for banking.

For P2P players, the Woodcutting Guild (level 60 Woodcutting and 75% Hosidius favor) offers 13 maple trees and 7 willow trees near a bank deposit box, significantly boosting efficiency.

Strategic Considerations: XP, Profit, or Both?

Beyond raw XP, your goals—whether maximizing experience, earning gold, or training other skills—can influence your choice between willows and maples.

XP vs. AFK Preference

  • Willows: Best for players focused on fast XP. Their quick chop speed demands more attention, making them less AFK-friendly.
  • Maples: Ideal for AFK training. You’ll sacrifice XP per hour but can multitask or play more casually.

Profit Potential

Willow and maple logs have different market values, affecting your decision if you plan to sell:

Log Type XP per Log GE Price (May 2025) Logs per Hour (Approx.) Profit per Hour
Willow 67.5 30 GP 400–600 12,000–18,000 GP
Maple 100 10 GP 150–200 1,500–2,000 GP

Willows are more profitable due to higher log output and better GE prices, yielding around 12,000–18,000 GP per hour compared to maples’ 1,500–2,000 GP. However, both are low-profit compared to other skills like Mining (e.g., iron ore at 180 GP each).

Firemaking and Fletching Synergy

Both logs can be used for Firemaking or Fletching, adding value to your grind:

  • Willow Logs: Require level 30 Firemaking (90 XP per log) or level 35–42 Fletching for items like willow shortbows (33.3–83 XP). They’re great for combined Woodcutting/Firemaking training in F2P.
  • Maple Logs: Need level 45 Firemaking (135 XP per log) or level 55 Fletching for maple longbows (116.5 XP total). Maples are better for Fletching profit, with unstrung maple longbows selling for around 146 GP profit each.

If Firemaking is below level 45, burning willow logs while cutting is efficient. Above level 45, banking or dropping logs and buying maple logs for Firemaking saves time.

Tips for Optimizing Your Woodcutting Grind

Regardless of whether you choose willows or maples, these tips will help you maximize your XP and efficiency:

Upgrade Your Axe

Use the best axe your Attack level allows (e.g., rune axe at level 40 Attack). Higher-quality axes increase your success rate for logs, boosting XP per hour.

Drop vs. Bank

Dropping logs is usually faster than banking, especially for willows in Draynor Village, where the bank is close. However, if you’re selling logs, banking at Draynor (willows) or the Woodcutting Guild (P2P) is worth it for profit.

Use the Woodcutting Guild (P2P)

At level 60 Woodcutting, the Woodcutting Guild grants a +7 invisible Woodcutting boost, increasing XP rates for both willows and maples. Its proximity to a bank makes it ideal for banking or dropping.

Consider Forestry Events

Forestry events (P2P) can provide bonus XP and resources. Willows benefit more from these events in F2P spots like Draynor, as Corsair Cove’s maples are less frequented.

Level Recommendations

  • Levels 30–55: Stick to willows for the fastest XP. Draynor Village is your best bet.
  • Levels 55–60: Consider maples if you prefer AFK training or need logs for Fletching. Otherwise, stay with willows.
  • Level 60+: Transition to yew trees (175 XP per log) for profit or continue willows for XP until you access P2P options like teaks.

Conclusion: For most players, willow trees are the better choice for Woodcutting XP in OSRS, offering up to 35% higher XP per hour than maples, especially with tick manipulation. They’re abundant, accessible, and slightly more profitable in F2P. However, maple trees shine for AFK players or those prioritizing Fletching profit. Your choice depends on your playstyle, goals, and whether you’re F2P or P2P. For the fastest road to 99 Woodcutting, chop willows in Draynor Village or the Woodcutting Guild, and consider banking for extra gold. Happy chopping!