I too look in the box stores after Christmas for tree packages.
I have at least 3 dozen now, I left the "snow" on them and use them on the Christmas layout.
Knocking the snow off a pile of them would make for a cheap forest edge.
Lee:
I see where your forest is and understand the desire for Big trees. I too want some Big Trees, however I'm prepared to cheat a bit.
I don't know how well it will work but a good solid outer edge on the forest should hide a platform with shorter trees on it in the middle.
The Outer edge can contain a mix of moderate, Medium tall and Tall trees, tapering up as it gets into the forest.
Recalling the thread where roads into the forest give you open spaces I would add those will have to be sided with Medium to large trees as well.
Since I'm modeling Western Colorado I too shall need a lot of BIG Trees for my forest, but I may just do an edge up to a backdrop for My uncle's Sawmill scene.
Lodgepole Pine in the 150' to 200' range was common...
