Maple leaves in Animal Crossing: New Horizons are a seasonal item that lets players celebrate autumn with beautiful decorations and DIY recipes. These vibrant leaves are available for a short period and require some skill to collect effectively. Here’s how to gather them and make the most of the season.

Maple leaves can only be collected during specific times. In the Northern Hemispherethey fall between November 16 and November 26while in the Southern Hemispherethey appear from April 16 to April 25. These red-orange leaves stand out from the regular falling leaves in autumn. They’re larger, shimmer slightly, and can be caught with a net.

To get started, equip a bug net. Maple leaves float around randomly, so walk around your island, keeping your eyes peeled for their distinctive appearance. When you spot one, act quickly but carefully. Approach it with your net ready and swing just as it comes into range. Timing and positioning are important because the leaves vanish if not caught in time.

These leaves are not just collectibles; they’re also essential for crafting seasonal items. Maple-leaf DIY recipes let you create beautiful furniture and decorations that enhance your island’s autumn aesthetic. Here are some examples of what you can make:

• Autumn Wall: Made with maple leaves, wood, and clumps of weeds.
• Red-Leaf Pile: Requires three maple leaves and weeds.
• Maple-Leaf Rug: Uses six maple leaves to add warmth to any room.
• Maple-Leaf Umbrella: Made with seven leaves for a stylish accessory.

Many of these recipes also require other seasonal materials like acorns, pinecones, or branches. You can gather these by shaking trees during the autumn months.

DIY recipes are obtained through two primary methods. Isabelle will gift you one recipe during her morning announcements at the start of the maple leaf season. The rest are found by popping balloons that float over your island. Use a slingshot to shoot them down, and you’ll often find a DIY recipe among the rewards. Make sure to watch the skies and keep a slingshot handy.

While maple leaves can be sold at Nook’s Cranny for 200 Bells eachtheir true value lies in crafting. If you enjoy decorating your island, it’s worth collecting as many as possible during their limited availability.

To maximize your leaf collection, stay active on your island. Moving around ensures that more leaves spawn. Playing during daylight hours makes them easier to see, as their bright colors stand out against the sky and ground. If you want to craft seasonal items later, stock up during the event, as maple leaves won’t appear again until the following year.

Decorating your island with maple-leaf items creates a cozy autumn atmosphere. Pair them with other seasonal decorations like pumpkins or mushroom furniture for a perfect fall theme. Maple leaf season is a short but delightful time to embrace the changing seasons in Animal Crossing and add a touch of autumn magic to your virtual world.