Using real tree armatures to make layout trees

Most of my trees are built from either twigs or weeds. The problem with just using twigs for armatures is that you need something for the flock to stick to. You need to cover them with some sort of fiber foliage for the flocking to stick to. Another option is to glue Super Tree to the armatures then flock over that.

 I model the fall. Most of my trees aren't that dense in foliage. I gather up a weed that grows in abundance in my area in the fall. It features buds that turn brown. I grab a few and make sort of bouquet in the shape of a tree. Then wrap the trunk with floral tape. Then paint the trunk a grayish brown. You then paint the buds in my case. Fall colors. Just use spray bombs. The tedious part is painting out the branches with an artiste brush. They are fragile but have been on the layout for 15 years or more. I make them assembly line style and can turn out a half dozen in a session.

Im on my phone so I don't see an embed button. See this video about the very subject.

https://youtu.be/4C2Myqtdas4

If someone can embed the link for me with a thumbnail etc that would be appreciated, I'm sure. 

For the price, you should be able to find some place for these, even if it is waaaay back.

Upper left of picture has trees of Sedam plants.  Harvested after the first killing frost, painted with a shake can, covered with cheap (stickiest) hair spray and covered with various colors of grass.  Wires may be inserted from the bottom for added strength, but usually not needed.  We drill holes into the plywood table and use a drop of glue as needed.  We've had some on the room size layout for ten years with no problems, never had any insects.  Various shades of brown and gray are used for the trunks, leaves may be any shade of green, yellow, red, etc.  I have not done a white birch.  John

Hey Joey, yes  I did see this video from your website which is what inspired me however my concern is the natural stuff from the woods. Is there any concerns regarding treating the natural twigs, armatures because of insects etc? Thanks

by the way Dave, nice work and colors.

John - just read your thread again Ok I see were you stated that you never had any insect issues, I just did not know since these natural items are found on the outside and I was just a little concerned.

Nice photo and great job.

Nah, never had any insects on twigs or the dirt I use on all projects.

     Al I hate to bug you but I heard of a model railroader bringing in some weeds for making into trees and they had spider eggs on them. His home became infested with tiny white daddy long legers but I never heard if he got rid of them. Choo Choo Kenny

When I lived in the Wasatch mountains inusedntoncellext dozens of sage branches at the end of the season. They are the most realistic armatures I've seen and definitely look like miniature trees. I still have many of all sizes that I continue to use. Have never had any experience with bugs. I first apply poly fiber stretched extremely thin (from Micromark or Scenic Express) to create an airy base for foliage to stick to. Then I apply the leaf structure (e.g. like Noch). Takes about 15-20 minutes per tree. 

Jerrman

Our forum sponsor, Scenic Express, sells kits that have sage as tree armatures.  There are even Super Sage kits.  Click on the link there is a "How To:"  video associated with this link. 

Super Sage on my layout.

Another Forum Sponsor  Mercer Junction did a lot of Seedum trees on the layout in his store.  Click on the highlighted link for a slideshow.  

Thanks for all the input everyone, I appreciate it.

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this....try looking at using sage brush as main tree armatures. Check out the scenic express website under the "super sage" portion. I've used it a bunch with excellent

results. The only issue..it's kind of pricey. I buy in bulk direct from a dried floral company...check out

http://www.curiouscountrycreations.com/

or http://www.sceneryexpress.com/.../productinfo/EX0240/

Sincerely,

Nick B