Platinum Preview: Tree Marking Sprays & Signs

Shake your spray cans and go to the forest! We’re looking at the new tree marking system introduced with the Platinum Expansion for Farming Simulator 22. Since we’re not far away from the release of our heavy expansion on November 15th, we’ll take a closer look at some features over the course of the following weeks. Spray cans in various colors allow you to mark trees with a set of signs, so you and your friends know what to do. Let’s take a look at the colors and symbols and what they mean. 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!

Please note: Since the meaning of tree markings is not universal and differs internationally, you might disagree with the use of colors and signs described here. 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. At the virtual dealership, you find spray cans in different colors. Gameplay-wise, you can use any color. Choose your favorite, if you want. In reality, though, they’re 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. 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.

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.

As mentioned above, a lot of symbols are not universally recognized, but their meaning differs internationally. Neither colors nor symbols follow a strict code, but are merely local or a forest ranger’s personal preferences. 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. Or it means whatever the forest ranger says it means. 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.

Tags: Farming Simulator 22 Platinum Expansion tools