Some theorizing based on a discussion from
this thread...
Perhaps we are looking at TImber the wrong way? Prepare for a block of theory.
As many were upset to find out, the tree only lasts for fifteen seconds. Between the setup time, the likelihood the enemy will fall into proper positioning, and the short life-span of the trees, I think we can all agree that hitting the enemy with the fallen tree is going to be immensely unlikely.
But I see there is merit in this ability, yet. Timber does more than just plant trees to chop down: it gives you two new moves, and even generates a few projectiles. From the moment you plant the sprout, the Villager can use the watering can wherever he pleases. It's a unique special in that, at least in the beta build, you can jump around while using it, It has decent pushing power, and It could prove useful for pushing away shielding enemies after feigning a landing aerial.
And of course the most note-worthy benefit is that, after you have watered the tree, you can swing the axe anywhere for the next 15 seconds. The axe is an immensely powerful attack that, while risky on whiff, comes out reasonably fast and can be used in the air. If that's not enough, after you chop the tree down, you get a few wood chips you can throw as a projectile. This works out great, since you can pocket one of them and carry the other. There will be a number of match-ups where the Pocket ability would otherwise have no use, such as against Marth or Little Mac.
What I'm getting at is perhaps there is merit in just throwing up the tree wherever the moment you have the liberty of space. In a few seconds, you'll unlock the axe, and you are free just to leave the tree where it is until it expires, or you can chop it down when it would yield a strategic benefit. As it stands, the Villager is a character who, while lacking reach on a lot of his normals, has a lot of tools to control the tempo of a match. Purely close-quarters characters will want to get in, while ranged characters have to deal with Lloid Rocket (which is seemingly indestructible to other projectiles) and Pocket.
I don't think Timber will be a game-breaking special, but I think it will turn out better than we had imagined as the game evolves.