I used the BSurfaces add-on to model this tree. Using BSurfaces made it easy to create the tree with three different polycounts. I made the framework for the tree using Bezier curves and then generated each branch three times, setting the number of cross strokes to 10 for high, 6 for medium and 4 for low polycounts. For the finished project (for Unity3D), I used the medium and low poly trees to make a set of dead tree branches, each with two LOD levels. Thanks to CGCookie for the excellent tutorials – could not have made this project without them.
Links:
Unity Cookie Gallery picture of finished Dead Tree and Branches, rendered in Unity3D:
https://cgcookie.com/unity/images/dead-tree-and-branches/
Retopology with the BSurfaces Add-on
https://cgcookie.com/blender/2011/08/08/retopology-with-the-bsurfaces-add-on/
BSurfaces link:
Surface Sketching for Blender:
http://vimeo.com/10715723
