Woodcutting is one of the easier skills to train in Old School RuneScape, but it can sometimes be boring. However, it becomes highly profitable once you reach the higher levels. Before jumping in, here are a few tips to make the grind more efficient and rewarding:
- Use the best axe: Always use the highest-level axe you can for faster woodcutting.
- Pick low-population worlds: Choosing worlds like Clan Wars or Fist of Guthix will make it easier to find available trees since fewer people will be competing for them.
- Reduce weight: Equip items like Boots of Lightness, Penance Gloves, Spotted/Spottier Capes, and the Agile top/bottom to keep your weight low. This will reduce your run energy drain, letting you cut more efficiently.
- Lumberjack Outfit and Sacred Clay Hatchet (Members): These provide bonus experience and are worth obtaining once you hit level 44 Woodcutting.
- Rabbit’s Foot Necklace (Members): This necklace increases your chances of finding bird nests, which contain valuable items like tree seeds.
Now that you’re set up, let’s dive into the optimal woodcutting strategies for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players.
Woodcutting Free-to-Play (F2P) Style
Levels 1–15: Chop Normal Trees
- XP per log: 25 XP
- Logs per tree: 1 (except for dying or dead trees)
- Logs sell for: 37 GP each
- Location: Normal trees are found all over the map.
- XP required to level 15: 2,425 XP (approximately 97 trees)
Levels 15–30: Chop Oak Trees
- XP per log: 37.5 XP
- Logs per tree: Multiple
- Logs sell for: 53 GP each
- Location: Oaks are commonly found near normal trees across the game world.
Levels 30–60: Chop Willow Trees
- XP per log: 67.5 XP
- Logs sell for: 8 GP each
- Locations:
- South of Draynor Village (watch for dark wizards)
- East of Fred’s Farm in Lumbridge
- South of Rimmington
- West of the Maze in Melzar’s Maze
Levels 60–85: Continue with Willows or Move to Yew Trees
- Willows: Recommended for faster XP
- Yews (optional):
- XP per log: 175 XP
- Logs sell for: 453 GP each
- Drawbacks: Yews are slower to cut at low levels, often crowded, and take up to 2 minutes to respawn.
Levels 85–99: Chop Yew Trees
At this point, yews will be much faster to chop. Although they still offer slightly less XP than willows, the higher profit per log makes it worthwhile.
- Location: Use the world map to find Yew tree symbols scattered around OSRS.
Congratulations, you’ve made it to level 99! It’s time to grab your skill cape.
Woodcutting Pay-to-Play (P2P) Style
Follow the F2P guide up until level 30, then:
Levels 35–99: Chop Teak Trees
- XP per log: 85 XP
- Location: Hardwood Grove (Tai Bwo Wannai) or Ape Atoll
- Logs sell for: 224 GP each
Levels 45–99: Chop Maple Trees
- XP per log: 100 XP
- Logs sell for: 28 GP each
- Location: Shilo Village (most efficient)
Levels 58–85: Chop Eucalyptus Trees
- XP per log: 165 XP
- Logs sell for: 430 GP each
- Location: North of Oo’glog
Levels 85–95: Chop Yew Trees
- XP per log: 175 XP
- Logs sell for: 453 GP each
- Location: Catherby (convenient for banking)
Levels 95–99: Chop Magic Trees
- XP per log: 250 XP
- Logs sell for: 1,300 GP each
- Location: Near the Mage Training Arena or the Woodcutting Guild (recommended for high efficiency)
Final Thoughts
Woodcutting can be a slow grind, but it’s a consistent way to earn money while leveling up. If you’re a member, the extra content—like teak trees and the Woodcutting Guild—makes it even more profitable. Once you hit level 99, be sure to treat yourself to that skill cape.
