Clear Trees in Cities: Skylines

Embarking on a metaphorical journey through the urban jungle, a question often arises: "How to remove trees in Cities: Skylines?" This efficient city-building game offers players a balance between development and environmental conservation, with trees serving as natural barriers and aesthetic enhancers. But what if you find yourself in need of that prime real estate they're occupying? Let's delve into the dos and don'ts, and explore the best tools at your disposal to transform your cityscape.

A common misconception is that trees in Cities: Skylines are as eternal as the ancient sequoias they're based on. But fear not, for they can be felled with some strategic planning and the right tool. Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let's set our sights on the broader landscape.

Understanding Tree Removal in Cities: Skylines

Trees in this game serve several purposes: they reduce noise, increase happiness, and even help control temperatures. But sometimes, their roots run counter to your grand urban plans. Knowing how to remove trees is a crucial skill in a city planner's arsenal.

an aerial view of a large city with lots of cars parked on the street and green grass

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First and foremost, it's essential to discern between the types of trees populating your city. Some are native and can be replaced once removed, while others are landmarks and unique to your city.

Native Trees vs. Landmark Trees

Native trees are common to your city's scenario and spawn naturally. You can remove them with the correct tool and expect a new one to regrow in its place. They're perfect for shaping and maintaining your city's parklands or creating natural barriers around quarries and landfills.

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an aerial view of a city with the words urban trees removed hundreds to thickening

an aerial view of a city with lots of trees

On the other hand, landmark trees are unique. Each city has one, and deleting them results in a permanent loss. They're meant to showcase your game's save file, displaying your mod work or vanity placements. Their rarity makes them excellent markers for scenic views or photographic moments.

Tree Removal Tools at Your Command

Armed with this knowledge, let's explore the tools at your disposal for tree removal. Cities: Skylines offers several strategies, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

The most straightforward method is to use the 'Remove All Buildings & Trees' tool. It's a versatile brush, clearing everything in its path. Ideal for large-scale projects like bulldozing entire forests or leveling zones, but it can be overkill for small plants.

an aerial view of a city with lots of tall buildings and trees in the foreground

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The Art of Selective Tree Removal

Now that we've tackled the big guns, let's discuss more selective methods. These tools let you target specific trees, allowing for greater flexibility and less collateral damage.

Introduced in the 'After Dark' expansion, the 'Remove Tree' tool is like a pocket knife for urban planning. It's perfect for precision strikes, targeting individual trees without disturbing their neighbors.

Targeted Tree Removal - The 'Remove Tree' Tool

The 'Remove Tree' tool is available in two forms - the simple tool and the 'Tree Grower'-\) both found in the 'Utilities' menu. The former eliminates single trees, while the latter respects plantation alignments, allowing you to clear rows or circles while leaving unselected trees standing.

an image of a city skyline with trees in the foreground and skyscrapers in the background

an aerial view of a street lined with trees in the middle of a large city

an aerial view of a city and the lake in front of it is surrounded by trees

an aerial view of a highway intersection in the middle of a city with tall buildings

an aerial view of a city street intersection

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With careful planning, these tools let you craft complex park layouts, create view corridors, and even design specific tree lines along roads.

Underground Obstacles - The 'Smooth' Tool

What if the tree you want to remove is growing on an underground utility? Or perhaps it's blocking a planned road? Fret not, for the 'Smooth' terrain tool can handle such predicaments. While it can't clear terrain over obstacles, it can lower the ground level, allowing you to pass over or under the offending tree.

This strategy requires careful planning, as lowering the terrain may affect other buildings or services. But when used correctly, it's an invaluable tool for navigating underground obstacles, making it a must-know for cities in hilly areas.

As you journey through the intricate world of urban design in Cities: Skylines, you've now gained a comprehensive understanding of tree removal. Whether you're a budding forester or a veteran city planner, these tips and tools will serve you well in your quest to shape the perfect metropolis.

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Trees, like citizens, form the fabric of your city. Removing them should always serve a purpose, whether it's to make way for development, maintain a scenic viewpoint, or promote the greater good of your urban ecosystem.