[Forestry 101] Tree Marking Sprays & Signs

Welcome to your next “Forestry 101” lesson of the Farming Simulator Academy! In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to mark trees using tree marking spray. This is especially handy when playing with friends in multiplayer mode.

Please note: Tree marking spray is a new feature of the Platinum Expansion for Farming Simulator 22. You have to purchase either the Platinum Edition of the game (including the base game + epxpansion) or the Platinum Expansion if you already own the base game!

Why Should You Mark Trees?

When doing forestry and operating heavy machines in the dense forests, markings serve as waypoints and assignments of certain actions. This can help you and your friends in multiplayer mode to keep track of what you are supposed to do and where.

In deadwood missions, a new type of contract coming with the Platinum Expansion, trees supposed to be removed, are already marked. Fell only the marked trees - otherwise, you get a penalty for removing healthy trees!

Meaning of Tree Marking Signs

Please note: The meaning of tree markings is not universal and differs internationally. You might disagree with the use of colors and signs described in this tutorial. That's okay - since you can use the colors and symbols as you see fit. If you want to use them in accordance with the local preferences in your neck of the woods, you can look them up by searching the internet with queries based on your location.

• Logging trail: Marking trees with two horizontal, parallel lines indicates that you are on a trail where machines move to the actual logging location.
• Remove tree: Trees marked with the "backslash" are supposed to be removed.
• Support tree: Trees marked with the circle are not supposed to be chopped down, but supported. Meaning, leave him (and his friends) alone, or plant new trees in the vicinity.
• Saw off at this height is indicated by a horizontal line with an arrow facing down. 
• Deadwood is indicated with an exclamation mark. You will see this when taking on deadwood missions. They are to be removed.
• X can have various meanings. Often, it just marks trees should be removed for whatever reason. Feel free to assign any meaning to this mark. 

About Signs: While the "X" often just means "this tree is marked to be removed" for whatever reason, in some parts of the world it is only applied to hazardous trees (deadwood) that pose a threat to nearby trees. If you're new to forestry, you can work with the signs and meanings in the graphic above, or use them just like you prefer. 

About Colors: Neither symbols nor colors follow a strict code, but are merely local or a forest ranger's personal preferences. In reality, though, colors usually associated with specific actions or purposes after felling the tree. Red or white is used in many regions when it comes to harvesting timber, forwarding within the forest and selling harvested logs.  Blue or orange on the other hand are often traffic-related or used to mark logs that are to be destined for firewood. 

Using Tree Marking Spray

Spray cans by STIHL in various colors allow you to mark trees with a set of signs, so you and your friends know what to do. You find spray cans at the virtual dealership. Gameplay-wise, you can use any color. Choose your favorite.

Buy spray cans at the dealership in the "tools" section. You find various colors of tree marking spray in its own category. You equip it just like the chainsaw, either pressing the assigned key to swap inventory items or use the mouse wheel. You can switch the signs by pressing the respectively assigned keys, point at the tree and press the button to apply the chosen symbol. 

Well done!

Congratulations, you now know the most important facts about yield improvement. Take your time and start on the next lesson, when you’re ready. Stay with the Farming Simulator Academy and you become a top-notch virtual farmer in no time!