Can I use proxy for detailed tree models in SU?

[IntelCoreDuo]

I'd love to do my renderings in SketchUp with V-ray. Atm I insert the model into Lumion and add realistic 3D trees there (Not Lumion trees). The tree models look good in SketchUp, but after a few dozen trees the polygon count becomes too high for SketchUp, while Lumion can handle hundreds or thousands.

Is there any trick to have e.g. components that look basic in SketchUp, but are rendered as detailed 3D models by V-Ray?

[GD3Design]

Yes, that is what proxies are for. I recommend you watch all of Chaos Group's tutorials on their youtube channel. They cover proxy use on their latest webinar concerning setting up an exterior scene from start to finish. She starts with proxies at about 29 minutes in.

Cheers!
GD