Minecraft wiki entry for Your_first_10_minutes, associated text: If you still do not see trees, and particularly if you don't see any dirt or grass, then start collecting sand (in a desert) or snow (in the tundra - though this will first require obtaining a shovel) as shelter materials, as much as you can get, for 20 seconds, then move on. If you are still swimming, keep at it. If you do see a tree, cut it down by holding down destroy and collect all of the logs. you do not need to destroy the leaves, as they will decay automatically, but collect the saplings and apples that drop from the leaves, if there are any.