OSRS Farming Tree Run Guide for Fast XP

Farming in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique skill that rewards patience and efficiency. Among the various training methods, tree runs stand out as the most effective way to gain Farming experience quickly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about OSRS farming tree runs, including the best routes, recommended trees, and tips to maximize your XP per hour. Whether you’re aiming for level 99 Farming or just starting out, this SEO-friendly guide is designed to help you optimize your tree runs for fast, efficient gains.
Tree runs are the cornerstone of Farming training in OSRS because they offer massive experience drops in a short amount of active time. Unlike active methods like Tithe Farm, tree runs are passive, allowing you to plant, wait, and harvest while focusing on other in-game activities. A single run, which takes about 5-10 minutes, can yield hundreds of thousands of XP, making it ideal for players who want to level up Farming without grinding for hours.
Key Benefits of Tree Runs
- High XP Rates: A well-optimized tree run can yield up to 2.5M XP per hour of active time.
- Low Time Commitment: Each run takes only a few minutes, with 1-2 runs possible daily.
- Passive Training: Trees grow over hours or days, letting you train other skills while waiting.
- Scalable: You can start with low-level trees and progress to higher-tier ones as you level up.
Getting Started with Tree Runs
Before diving into tree runs, you’ll need to prepare by unlocking key teleports, gathering supplies, and understanding the mechanics. Tree runs involve planting saplings in designated patches, waiting for them to grow, checking their health for XP, and replanting. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
Essential Quests and Unlocks
Completing certain quests and unlocking teleports will make your tree runs faster and more efficient. These are low-requirement quests that save significant time by providing access to key transportation methods.
- Tree Gnome Village & The Grand Tree: Unlocks spirit tree teleports for quick access to Gnome Stronghold and Tree Gnome Village patches.
- Bone Voyage: Grants access to Fossil Island for hardwood tree patches.
- Tai Bwo Wannai Trio: Enables Tai Bwo Wannai teleport scrolls for the calquat patch.
- Fairytale II – Cure a Queen (partial): Unlocks fairy rings for faster travel to certain patches.
- Mourning’s End Part I: Provides access to the Lletya fruit tree patch.
Required Items
To complete a tree run, you’ll need specific tools and supplies. Most can be stored with Tool Leprechauns at patches, but you’ll need to carry saplings and payments.
Item | Purpose |
---|---|
Rake | Clear weeds from patches |
Spade | Plant saplings and harvest crops |
Tree/Fruit Tree Saplings | Plant in regular and fruit tree patches |
Protection Payments | Pay gardeners to protect trees (e.g., baskets of tomatoes, papayas) |
Teleport Runes/Tabs | Fast travel to patches (e.g., Varrock, Falador, Catherby teleports) |
Coins (1200-2280) | Pay gardeners to remove trees |
Ultracompost (optional) | Reduces disease risk if not paying for protection |
Best Trees to Plant by Level
Choosing the right trees to plant depends on your Farming level and budget. Higher-tier trees give more XP but are more expensive. Below is a breakdown of the best trees to plant at each level range for regular, fruit, hardwood, and special trees.
Regular Trees
- Level 15: Oak Trees – 467 XP per tree, cheap but low XP.
- Level 30: Willow Trees – 1,456.5 XP per tree, good for early levels.
- Level 45: Maple Trees – 3,403.4 XP per tree, decent XP for mid-levels.
- Level 60: Yew Trees – 7,069.9 XP per tree, balanced cost and XP.
- Level 75: Magic Trees – 13,768.3 XP per tree, best for high levels but expensive.
Fruit Trees
- Level 27: Apple Trees – 1,199.5 XP per tree, affordable starter.
- Level 33: Banana Trees – 1,750.5 XP per tree, slightly better XP.
- Level 39: Orange Trees – 2,470.2 XP per tree, mid-tier option.
- Level 51: Pineapple Trees – 4,605.7 XP per tree, cheap and efficient.
- Level 57: Papaya Trees – 6,146.4 XP per tree, great value.
- Level 68: Palm Trees – 10,150.1 XP per tree, high XP for late-game.
- Level 81: Dragonfruit Trees – 17,335 XP per tree, best but costly.
Hardwood and Special Trees
- Level 35: Teak Trees – 7,290 XP per tree, every 2.5 days, cheap.
- Level 55: Mahogany Trees – 15,720 XP per tree, every 4 days, high XP.
- Level 72: Calquat Trees – 12,096 XP per tree, cheap and daily.
- Level 74: Crystal Trees – 13,240 XP per tree, niche but decent.
- Level 85: Celastrus Trees – 14,130 XP per tree, valuable bark.
- Level 90: Redwood Trees – 22,450 XP per tree, every 5 days, high XP.
Optimal Tree Run Route
An efficient route minimizes travel time and maximizes XP. The following route assumes you have access to spirit trees, fairy rings, and teleports. It covers all regular, fruit, hardwood, and special tree patches in roughly 5-6 minutes. Start at the Farming Guild if you have 85 Farming for the spirit tree.
Step-by-Step Route
- Farming Guild (Spirit Tree): Plant fruit tree (85 Farming), celastrus tree, and check contracts. Teleport to Varrock.
- Varrock Palace: Plant regular tree. Use GE spirit tree to Gnome Stronghold.
- Gnome Stronghold: Plant regular and fruit trees. Use spirit tree to Tree Gnome Village.
- Tree Gnome Village: Plant fruit tree (use Elkoy to navigate maze). Teleport to Ardougne.
- Brimhaven: Take boat from Ardougne, plant fruit tree and calquat tree. Charter ship to Catherby.
- Catherby: Plant fruit tree. Teleport to Taverley.
- Taverley: Plant regular tree. Teleport to Falador.
- Falador Park: Plant regular tree (disease-free after Elite Falador Diary). Teleport to Lumbridge.
- Lumbridge: Plant regular tree north of castle. Use fairy ring (ALQ) to Lletya.
- Lletya: Plant fruit tree. Use fairy ring (AKR) to Fossil Island.
- Fossil Island: Plant 3 hardwood trees. End run or bank at Farming Guild.
Teleportation Tips
- Use a Ring of Wealth for Falador Park and GE teleports.
- Equip a Graceful Outfit or weight-reducing gear to maintain run energy.
- Carry Scrolls of Redirection for house teleports near patches (e.g., Taverley, Brimhaven).
- Toggle the Runelite Time Tracking plugin to monitor patch growth times.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency and Profit
While tree runs are XP-focused, they can be costly. Here are strategies to optimize your runs for both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Use Ultracompost: If protection payments are too expensive, ultracompost reduces disease risk significantly.
- Stick to Cheaper Trees: Papaya and pineapple trees are cost-effective for fruit trees; teak trees are cheap for hardwood.
- Resurrect Crops Spell: Use the Arceuus spell to revive dead trees, saving sapling costs.
Boosting XP Gains
- Farmer’s Outfit: Grants 2.5% bonus XP when worn.
- Farming Guild Contracts: Complete contracts while at the guild for extra XP and rewards.
- Bottomless Compost Bucket: Stores 10,000 compost uses, saving inventory space.
Profit Opportunities
While tree runs are generally an expense, you can offset costs with herb runs or celastrus bark harvesting. A level 85 run with 6 magic trees, 6 dragonfruit trees, 1 calquat, and 1 celastrus tree yields 215,761.3 XP daily but costs ~2.5M GP. Herb runs, especially with Torstol or Ranarr, can net 300k-500k profit per run to balance this.
By following this OSRS farming tree run guide, you can achieve level 99 Farming in as little as 67-70 days with consistent runs. Prioritize high-tier trees, optimize your route, and use cost-saving measures to make the journey both efficient and affordable. Happy farming, and may your patches always be healthy!