Summer's here and the time is right...

For going outside and making trees.

You'll see why outside in a moment.

In a previous post, I extolled the virtues of the Super Trees from Scenic Express. But the more I looked at them, the more I was convinced that more work was required, so out they came. I've now got, what I consider an improved approach to using the Super Trees.
I start by cleaning a few armatures at a time and soaking them in dilute matte medium and hanging them to dry. Sometimes with clamps to help straighten them out. I do about 12-16 trees at a time

Once they're dry, they need painting. I use cheap and cheerful grey auto primer. Nothing fancy. We just want to lose the bright natural tone of the armatures.

Once that has dried, it's outside for the next steps.
I'm using 3M Super 77 spray adhesive for adhering the textures to the armatures. It's very useful stuff. Very tacky, great holding power. But the various chemicals in the can will blow the back of your head off if you inhale it, so it's outside.

I started by spraying the armature with some adhesive and then sprinkling ground foam onto the tree. A couple of colours will suffice. Let that setup briefly.

Spray again with adhesive and this time apply Noch leaves. These little devils really make the trees stand out. I have 4 colours of leaves and use no pattern for what colour goes over what colour of ground foam. Variety is the key.
Let that all dry for a couple of days and then plant your forest.

I think this looks much better than the first incarnation.