Don't Be Fooled by the Simplicity
3D printable tree models are pretty underrated. They’re crucial to some projects but can be hard to find. After all, trees come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be difficult to find a ready-made one that works for you.
The first few models are simple models friendly for beginners or less-involved hobbyists, whereas the second part contains more advanced models. Whatever you need, there’s bound to be something for you.
In this article, we divvy up our selection into standard and advanced designs. The former are easy to access and make, whereas the latter serve to showcase the true potential of 3D printed foliage.
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Christmas Tree
Who would’ve thought it would be a good idea to purposely make a model fail. But in this case, something many creators avoid is used to make an artistic representation of a Christmas tree. By printing into thin-air, the plastic creates loops that fall down and build on top of each other, which adds a “fuzzy” look to the trees.
Who made it? ROBK636
Who printed it? At least 12 Thingiverse users have printed this model (but these are only confirmed makes, as at least 32,600 people have downloaded it).
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Low-Poly Trees
Trees come in all shapes and forms. In this artistic interpretation of nature’s beauty, the tree is made in a low-poly design. This means that the trees are reduced to be less detailed, making them a creative alternative to what you can find on Earth. These are great for bringing a modern feel to an indoor environment.
Who made it? Franfalco
Who printed it? At least 40 Thingiverse users have printed this model, but the files have been downloaded over 24,000 times.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
"A Tree"
Isn’t that just a stick in the ground? Yes, but no. While the model itself is relatively simple, the idea of beauty in simplicity is vital to nature. If you choose not to take it that deeply, then you can still enjoy the intricacies of the hard, dry ground and the grain of the tree planted in it.
Who made it? Wojciech Majkut
Who printed it? At least 244 MyMiniFactory users have downloaded this model. (It should be a simple model to print, which may explain why it’s been downloaded over 200 times.)
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Jedi Force Tree
For all of the Star Wars fans out there, this tree is essential. For generations, it’s housed the knowledge and wisdom of the Jedi.
Whether you choose to print it in one color and post-process it or print it in separate parts, there are so many ways to add a personalized spin. Just try not to call lightning down on your plastic model.
Who made it? Jukka Seppänen
Who printed it? At least 193 MyMiniFactory users have downloaded this model; that’s a lot of fans ready to bring an epic location to life.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Ancient Spirit Tree
The Old Tree Spirit shows wisdom, age, and beauty. Nature and human characteristics come together to personify an amazing model. Printing with different material types also provides a custom look to your garden. For example, using a PLA-wood composite will bring a whole new look to this decoration.
Who made it? Jukka Seppänen
Who printed it? At least 2,791 MyMiniFactory users have downloaded this model. Printing an item in a wood composite makes for an accurate natural look.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Advanced Projects
Now it’s time for those of you who want a challenge. The projects below are more complicated but are much more customizable. Have fun and let the world see what you can do!
Primeval Forest
Kickstarter is an awesome website for new breakthroughs to gain financial backing. But for those of you who didn’t know, it’s also a great place to find hidden gems.
The Primeval Forest is a Kickstarter project that enabled the backer to create an extremely detailed tree model to add to their terrain. Built to be expandable, these trees are great for any forest set.
Where to get it? Kickstarter
Light-up Wall Tree
If you have the time, energy, and patience, RCLifeOn’s 3D printed light-up tree project is sure to catch your guest’s eye. Customizable, scalable, and lighted, this project allows you to adapt it to whatever space you want. Even if you decide to make a miniature version just for your desk, it’ll bring just a bit more nature closer to you.
Who made it? RCLifeOn
Wall Tree Art
Similar to the previous project, these 2D tree art files make the design process just a little bit easier for anyone interested. The light-up upgrade is optional, but when implemented, it makes for quite a unique display in your home. The only thing left to do is to figure out the biggest wall you can put it on!
Who made it? dtm2477
Who printed it? At least 6 Thingiverse users have printed this model, but more than 5,000 downloads mean it’s probably seen more action.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
(Lead image source: solidsmack.com)