OSRS willow trees are a common deciduous tree that players can plant and chop throughout Gielinor, used mainly for Firemaking experience and as a source of willow logs. They occupy a 3x3 farming patch and require level 30 Farming to plant. When fully grown, a willow tree yields one set of logs that can be cut for Woodcutting experience or sold to other players and used in fires and fletching. This guide covers where willow trees grow naturally, how to farm them at scale, and how their outputs compare to other tree types in the game.
Where to Find Natural Willow Trees in OSRS
In the wild, willow trees appear in several consistent locations. Players can reliably find them near Lumbridge, southwest of the castle and along the riverbank just south of the farming patch. Additional natural spawns occur in the area south of Varrock and near the river between Rimmington and Port Sarim. A smaller group also lines the water south of the Barbarian Village entrance. Since these spots are accessible early in the game, they are useful for early Firemaking and for players who prefer cutting over farming.
Quick Reference: Common Willow Locations
- Lumbridge riverbank, west of the castle
- South of Varrock, near the field entrance
- Between Rimmington and Port Sarim, riverside
- South of the Barbarian Village gate
Planting and Growing Willow Trees at a Farming Patch
Planting willow trees requires a 3x3 farming patch, level 30 Farming, and a willow seed, which is the standard sapling for this tree type. Players use a seed dibber on the cleared patch, then apply compost or supercompost to improve yield and reduce disease chance. Growth cycles vary based on fertiliser and whether the patch is protected by a farmer. Without interference, a willow tree usually completes its growth cycle in several in-game days, after which it can be harvested for logs. Using protect from disease or farming presets can increase long-term efficiency, especially when managing multiple patches.
Step-by-Step Planting Process
- Clear weeds and rake the 3x3 patch
- Use a willow seed with a seed dibber on the patch
- Add compost or supercompost to the patch
- optionally use a farming stip or summoning familiar to protect growth
- Return once the tree is fully grown to cut logs
Uses for Willow Logs
Willow logs serve two primary purposes: cutting for experience and burning in fires. Each cut log grants a fixed amount of Woodcutting experience, making willow trees a steady source of passive skill progression. For Firemaking, willow logs burn at a consistent rate and are commonly used by players training Firemaking at lairs, bonfires, or while cooking. They also feed into several money-making methods, such as high alchemy or sale on the Grand Exchange, though players typically compare these values against oak and maple alternatives.
Performance Comparison with Other Tree Types
| Tree Type | Farming Level | Log Value (GE) | Woodcutting XP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willow | 30 | Low–moderate | Moderate | Good early target; steady output |
| Oak | 37 | Moderate | Higher | Balanced income and XP |
| Maple | 45 | Higher | Higher | Faster XP, better profit potential |
| Yew | 60 | High | High | Strong XP and profit; slower growth |
Efficiency and Money-Making Considerations
Willow trees are efficient for players who want low-maintenance farming with moderate returns. The logs are not the most profitable in the current market, but they remain useful for consistent Firemaking experience and as a fallback when higher-tier logs are not accessible. Profitability depends on transport costs, protection methods, and Grand Exchange pricing at harvest time. Many players rotate willow farming with other tree types to balance training and income, especially when managing multiple farming patches.
Common Challenges with Willow Trees
Because willow trees require level 30 Farming, newer players may struggle to reach the threshold or afford the seed and compost costs up front. Disease can still affect unprotected patches, leading to lost time and materials. Growth time can also feel slow when compared to faster-yielding crops, and competition over visible patch spots in popular worlds may reduce availability of ideal farming locations.
Optimising Willow Tree Operations
To get the most out of willow trees, plan your routes around nearby farming patches, use compost to reduce disease, and stagger planting cycles so that some trees are always growing. Familiar Summoning can help protect growth, and banking nearby cuts travel time. Comparing harvest schedules with oak, maple, and yew patches helps you slot willow trees into a broader farm routine that maximises both Woodcutting and Farming gains over time.