Hot take: hiding help trees is a terrible "strategy" and it ruins the vibe
Maybe I'm the odd one out, but hiding the trees or bushes that need help under a pile of decorations is just bad for the game.
I realize some people treat Hay Day like a tiny optimization puzzle where every tap counts. Sure, having visitors stick around a bit longer might increase the chance of a revive or a boat fill. Still, making other players play a scavenger hunt on purpose is not clever. It just creates friction.
When I'm doing my quick daily loop-derby tasks, check the newspaper, help 5-10 farms, then log off-I have very limited attention. If I land on a farm, see the help icon, and can't find the spot in about ten seconds, I move on. I don't feel challenged, I feel baited.
It also backfires. The people most likely to help quickly are the ones running efficient routines, and those are the players you are pushing away. Newer players might poke around more, but they often do not have the tools to help anyway.
If you want more help, put needy bushes or trees near the road, the mailbox, or in a clear corner. You can still make your farm look nice without turning helping into a Where's Waldo game.
Am I overreacting, or do you also skip farms that make you hunt for the last help spot?