Smart Tree Tutorial

fjb80

Hello,

I'm looking for a way to create a "Smart Tree" or 2.5d tree in sketchup. I'm not quite sure how to start. I'd like to either create it from scratch or modify something from the 3D warehouse so that I can use local species. Can anyone point me to a good tutorial on how to do that?

Performance-wise I'm looking for:

Lower poly count than a 3D tree
Has accurate shadows
Can do both coniferous and deciduous trees
(If possible) Renders decently in podium

Thanks,

Fraser