3D Tree Models for SketchUp?

Hey Ryan. You should check out the SketchUp group on these forums. There have been some recent discussions about making your own 3D trees with various softwares, and some links to component libraries. You should also check the Sketchucation forums. There are lots of great resources there. Do a search in the Components subforum and you’re sure to find lots of treasures. FormFonts is another good resource. There are some high-quality gratis components, but you’ll get the most by subscribing to their paid subscription service.

Also, are you sure you need 3D trees? I’ve found that 2D or 2.5D trees work just as well in most instances, and lower the poly count of the model substantially. Depending on your system, a number of 3D trees in a model can grind it to a halt.

There are several ways to help with that (in addition to using 2/2.5D trees). One is put the 3D trees on their own layer. Leave the actual geometry on Layer 0; just move the component itself to a new layer. Then you can freeze the tree layer and navigate around the model much more easily. Second is to use low-res 2d trees as place-holders until you’re set to do the final render/image. Then replace them with the higher-poly 3d trees. A third option, if you use external rendering or photo editing software, is to simply add the trees in post-pro.

I took the 3 day workshop with Daniel Tall and he gave us his pesonal collection of components, there are some pretty cool trees in there,among many other things,  Let me know how I can get you the file,  its pretty huge though.

Josh, that would be a great file to have.  Can you archive them into a zip or rar file and post it on a file-hosting site and provide a link?  With Daniel’s permission, of course. 

That must have been a great workshop – I loved his book.

nowadays you can find transparent 3d trees on warehouse. they are created by transparent planes in the shape of trees. there are different kinds. maybe they are not the exact kind of plant but they give the idea with their shapes. the best thing is that they dont make the program crash or slow down.

if you search in the warehouse i am sure you are going to find them. they are commonly used.

I am getting back into Sketchup more on a regular basis and would like to obtain (download or purchase) some high quality Desert Plants that grow in the Phoenix area.  Is anyone aware of where I could purchase some in 3D, face me plants and / or Plants that could be added in Photoshop.  There are a few simple ones on the google warehouse, but they aren’t that great and are typically plants that aren’t utilized regularly on projects.