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Crafting Bonsai Trees in The Sims 4

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bonsai

Tired of the same old plants? Why not make your own!

When looking for a plant to fill an empty corner, we know you always end up in the Decorations menu in Build mode. But there’s one plant item that you won’t find there: this base game Bonsai Tree!

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It’s in the Activities & Skills menu under Creative activities.

Don’t be deceived by its boring blob shape. You can create 5 different styles out of this single item and make it look fancy (Plus special shapes depending on your Sim’s moodlet!)

But remember, enter the bb.moveobjects cheat before starting!

Grab the bonsai tree along with this tall pedestal from Get To Work. You can do without the pedestal, but trust me, it gives an extra oomph to this decoration!

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Place the bonsai away from the pedestal. Go to Live Mode – we’ll be using your Gardening Sims to transform the tree.

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The number of bonsai shapes available will depend on your Sim’s Gardening Skill Level (or Flower Arranging Level if you have Seasons). Here’s a guide on what shapes you can unlock:

Let’s try a basic shape! Click on the bonsai, select ‘Prune Shape’, then click on your desired shape. Just take note that sometimes, you’d have to trim the overgrowth first before pruning.

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Every time your Sims prune the bonsai, their skill level builds up. This takes around 45 minutes in-game or 1 minute in real-time.

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When your Sim is done, go back to Build mode to place the bonsai over the pedestal. Now it looks like a real bonsai that’s on display.

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Note: your Sims can’t reach the bonsai with the pedestal overlapping it, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your gameplay. If you need to retrim the bonsai, just go back to Build mode and move the pedestal away.

Use the bonsai indoors or outdoors

Since the bonsai blooms year round, you can show it off outside your build with no problem. You can make a fancy bonsai collection or feature it with other plants.

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With the pedestal, it also looks great inside as a corner accessory.

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It’s a great alternative if you don’t own Snow Escape which also has a small bonsai plant. Plus, the texture of the Base game bonsai looks more realistic and dynamic!

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pruned Base Game bonsai vs Snowy Escape bonsai

See this trick in action by watching this video tutorial!

Did you find this tip useful? Let us know below.

About the author

MAIAmakes

I'm Maia and I'm a Filipino student who makes builds and build tips in The Sims 4! I create a variety of design and architectural styles from my interests like Studio Ghibli and builds from my country.

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