From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Arboretum?
Z-Man Games English rules
The player who last watered a plant starts.
Rule details
The player to their right deals seven cards to each player.
Turns then continue clockwise.
Source & edition
- Arboretum: Z-Man Games English rulesZ-Man Games · Set up; Distributing the cards; How to play · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 2, 4
Image: © Z-Man Games · Z-Man Games
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
CanopyThe player who most recently watered a plant starts.
Paint the RosesWhoever most recently watered a plant goes first.
Village GreenIn multiplayer, whoever watered a plant most recently goes first.
PollenThe person who most recently watered a plant takes the first turn.
TrellisThe last person to water a plant, or the winner of the previous game, starts.
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