CONTENTS

Page number:
Title page ………………………………………… 1
Contents …………………………………………. 1
Introduction ……………………………………… 2
How to use this handbook …………………….. 3

Theme: Name:

Classic Upright slopes …………………………………… 4

Angled hinges …………………………………… 5
Leaf weaving …………………………………….. 8
Angled bars ……………………………………… 9
Slope bunches …………………………………. 12
Blossom tree …………………………………… 14
Mini blossom …………………………………… 15

Birch Stud shooter ……………………………………. 16

Angled bars …………………………………….. 19
Tree Techniques – Building Tutorials Handbook
Pine Layers of slopes ………………………………. 21
from Tips&Bricks Leaf weaving pine …………………………….. 23
- Clip bunches …………………………………… 26
Created by Alex Johnson Octagons + hinges ……………………………. 28
Sideways stems ……………………………….. 30

Palm T piece palm …………………………………… 32

Rings palm ……………………………………... 34
Dinosaur palm …………………………………. 35
Simple palm ……………………………………. 37

Trunks Technic trunk …………………………………... 38

Thin trunk ………………………………………. 40
Slope trunk ……………………………………... 42
Flex tube trunk …………………………………. 44
1

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this digital handbook. This product
presents LEGO building techniques for creating trees, detailing
the parts required, a rough pricing guide and full instructions
for each technique. There are also additional techniques
similar to those featured that do not include instructions, but
aim to inspire you to adapt the techniques and create your own
designs. The handbook is suitable for all ages and abilities, but
the instructions may be hard for children to follow
independently and therefore they may benefit from the help of
an adult.
To use this handbook successfully, we recommend a basic
knowledge of building techniques. If you are unsure about your
ability, view our Builder’s Handbook: Basic Techniques,
available for free here.
If you have or find any problems with the handbook, send us a
message via our social media or email:
contact.tipsandbricks@gmail.com
We ask you not to distribute this handbook or we will issue a
copyright claim. If you would like more information about our
Terms and Conditions, click here.
© Copyright Alex Johnson 2019
About this handbook:
There are 20 techniques detailed in this handbook that feature
full instructions. This should enable you to collect all of the
pieces required and then build them by following the tutorial. At
the end of a technique there may be another similar technique
that you can try to create yourself by using the techniques
learnt in the tutorial, as most of the time they will be very
similar. Any changes will be described and specific pieces will
be detailed and/or pictured.
The pricing of pieces / techniques is estimated and thought to
be accurate in August 2019. However, as new sets are
released, some parts will become more available and some will
become rarer. So these are just a rough guide and may not be
completely accurate depending on a number of factors such as
location and date.
When crediting a builder for a technique, we have tried to trace
the original creator of the technique. When a technique says
‘By …….’, this is credit for the image pictured below the title
and may not be the original creator of the techniques; this will
be detailed in the description if it is the case.
Buying the pieces:
Each technique has a star rating (1-3 stars) which depicts it’s
rough price to collect the parts for. To view a price guide for
each technique, click here.
For buying the pieces, we recommend you use Bricklink. For
parts that are expensive and common in this handbook, we
recommend buying a set number and reusing them for
different techniques. 2
How to use this handbook: The building instructions:

For each technique you will see:

- the title we’ve given to the technique Information about the Tips/modifications
- the builder who created the technique or provided the image For example: specific step of the tutorial appear in boxes
- the type of tree such as pine or palm
- how complex the technique is
- how many parts are required
1. The trunk base: These are just ideas for the
trunk – you can customise
~ the 4 side panels attach to the modified bricks
- a picture of the technique it with other pieces too
- the price tag, explained below
- a description of the technique
- a parts list
- the building instructions The
completed
step
Price tags:
1 star - cheap
2 star - medium
3 star - expensive
(based on part count / availability of parts)

x2 x1 x10 x4 x4
A picture of the piece, Where the colour of a
The parts list: (click on it to take you to piece doesn’t matter
The parts required in the
it’s Bricklink entry) due to it being on the
specific quantity for that step
inside of a design, it
For example:
will be in a blue box
x2
This asks you to build the step twice
The part
number The dimensions
(from 2423 4 x 3 Plant / units Links will appear in blue text and you can click on a builder’s name
Bricklink) Leaves x2 to follow them on their active account such as Flickr, or to see
more pictures.
The quantity
The name taken required for the You can also view each part on Bricklink by simply clicking on the
from Bricklink technique image of the part in the parts list.
3
UPRIGHT SLOPES
The pieces you will need:

By The LEGO Group Classic

Difficulty: BASIC -- pieces 2423 4 x 3 Plant 2417 6 x 5 Plant 3040 2 x 1 45
Leaves Leaves degrees Slope

60481 2 x 1 x 2 65 2339 1 x 5 x 4 3684a 2 x 2 x 3

degrees Slope Arch Brick 75 degrees Slope
Endor Battle Pack 9489
Pictured to the
left is a large
Ewok Village application of this
10236 technique that
primarily uses the
above pieces.
Built by Mitah Val
Karem on Flickr,
it shows how this
technique can be
just as impressive
The Forbidden as some of the
Forest 4865 others in this
book. Click here
Let’s start with the most basic tree technique that has been used to view some
by The LEGO Group in a lot of official sets. Although they’re not images of the
the most detailed, natural or accurate, they are very strong, easy building process
to build and use only a few parts. Unlike all of the other that the builder
techniques in this book, these designs need no instructions. uploaded for us.
However if you do want instructions for a specific tree from an
official set you can find them online, for example here. 4
ANGLED HINGES
The pieces you will need:

By Carson Hart Classic

Difficulty: MEDIUM 92 pieces 2423 4 x 3 Plant 2417 6 x 5 Plant 4733 1 x 1 Modified
Brick with studs on
Leaves x2 Leaves x20
all 4 sides x5

44302 1 x 2 Locking 44301 1 x 2 Locking

87580 2 x 2 Modified
Hinge Plate with 2 Hinge Plate with 1
Jumper Plate x1
Fingers x12 Finger x12

85861 1 x 1 Round 3062b 1 x 1 Round

4510 1 x 8 Modified
Plate with open Brick x3
Plate with Door Rail x4
stud x2

3024 1 x 1 plate x7 3023 1 x 2 plate x14 3623 1 x 3 plate x6

Now we move on to a technique by Carson Hart which positions

leaf pieces on various branches. The trunk of the tree is made
from 1x1 modified bricks surrounded by plates and modified
plates with door rails. As you move higher up the tree, locking
hinge plates are used, which allow you to connect branches that
can be hinged at your desired angle, creating the tree’s canopy. 3710 1 x 4 plate x4 5
Building instructions: 3. The branches:
~ the other locking hinges attach to plates and leaf pieces to create 6 branches
designs. 2 of each are needed to construct 12 branches.

1. The trunk base: These are just ideas for the a)

~ the 4 side panels attach to the modified bricks trunk – you can customise
it with other pieces too b)
c)

x1 x3 x2 x1
x2 x1 x7 x4 x6 x5

d) e) f)

2. The upper trunk:

~ locking hinges attach to a pillar of modified bricks, cylinders and studs

If you find it to
x3 be too fragile,
you can
connect a flex
tube or bars
x12 between the
pieces to
reinforce it
x2
x2
x3 x2

To find flex tubes on

x1 x2
x3 Bricklink, search for
‘hose, rigid’ x1 x5 6
4. The construction:
~ after building two of each branch, position similar branches on opposite sides
by connecting the locking hinges

Pictured left is a similar

technique by Tommy M.
on Flickr. The trunk is
almost identical, but
instead of using locking
hinges to position the
leaves they have just
been built onto the end.

Pictured right is
another similar
technique by
Brother Steven
that uses hinges
with a simpler
trunk. He also
uses white leaves
to simulate snow.
7
LEAF WEAVING
The pieces you will need:

By Katie Walker Classic

Difficulty: EXPERT 21 pieces 4589b 1 x 1 Cone 2417 6 x 5 Plant 30176 1 x 1 Plant
Round Brick with
with Top Groove x7 Leaves x13
3 leaves x1

WARNING
When interlocking the leaf pieces, although they are made from
flexible plastic, they can be slightly deformed / marked by trying to
interlock together, so this should be considered before attempting
this technique.

Building instructions:

1. The trunk and top of the tree:

~ build a pillar of cones and attach a 6x5 leaf and plant round brick on the top

This is a simple trunk, but it can

easily be changed for a trunk in
another technique in this handbook

Next up is an advanced technique originally by Katie Walker that

involves the classic small and large leaf pieces. Katie doesn’t
just build with them normally, but ‘weaves’ the pieces together x1
to form a solid canopy that is pretty secure despite having no
x1
actual connections. The pieces have to be interlocked in a
specific way, so follow the tutorial if you’d like to create the
design yourself. x7 8
 ANGLED BARS
2. The canopy
~ interlock or ‘weave’ the flexible leaf pieces together by interlocking their shapes

Slot the leaf pieces

This weaving technique
together as shown to
create the complete can be fragile and fiddly

By Barbara Hoel Classic

canopy when building it, but by
slotting them together

Difficulty: MEDIUM 65 pieces

and completing the half
sphere shape it should
be fairly sturdy
x12

8 7
9
6
10

11
4 To finish, place the canopy
over the build from 1.
12
3
1 2

Different greens can be used to add a little

more colour variation to the tree

This technique by Barbara Hoel uses some different pieces to

Pictured above is the same technique but using 4x3 leaf pieces
instead to create a smaller canopy
position the classic 6x5 leaves; mechanical arms, bars and
hinges. A trunk of 2x2 cylinder is built up and 1x1 modified plates
with handles are also used in the trunk. The mechanical arms are
attached to the exposed hinges and then bars and leaf pieces
are attached and angled; hence the name of the technique. 9
The pieces you will need:
Building instructions:

1. The trunk:
~ build a pillar of the below pieces
2423 4 x 3 Plant 2417 6 x 5 Plant 2417 6 x 5 Plant
Leaves x8 Leaves x4 Leaves x16
This plate creates the
perfect height of the
x3 trunk to cover the top of
the tree with a canopy

x1

98284 2 x 2 Round 92947 2 x 2 Round The modified plates are

53989 Mechanical angled on the 2x2 round
Plate with Pin Hole Brick with Flutes Arm (Exo-Force / x8
bricks to position the
and 4 Arms Up x1 (Grille) and Axle Hole Bionicle) x8 branches (which we’ve
x11 yet to build)

x5

26047 1 x 1 Modified 4032 2 x 2 Round

87994 3L Bar x8 x4
Plate Rounded with Plate with Axle Hole
Handle x8 x1
x1

In this technique, 2x2 grill

round bricks are used to
x6 create a texture for the
trunk, but any pieces
could be used here

10
2. The lower branches: 5. The construction:
~ attach the bars and leaf pieces to the mechanical arms, ready to attach to the ~ after constructing all the previous steps, attach the branches to the clips via
trunk the arms and angle them to create a full canopy

x2

x5

x4

x12

Don’t worry too much about the orientation of the leaf pieces in this step and the next;
you can adjust the pieces once the whole tree is together to create a full canopy

3. The upper branches:

~ attach the bars and leaf pieces to the mechanical arms, ready to attach to the
trunk

x4 x4

Once the pieces are

This picture attached, you can change
shows how the the orientation of the leaves
arms connect to create a full canopy
x3 x4 to the 1x1
modified plates
Connection points: 11
SLOPE BUNCHES
The pieces you will need:

By balbo._ Classic
Difficulty: MEDIUM 263 pieces 3062b 1 x 1 Round 3711 Technic 3741 Plant Flower
Brick x5 Link Chain x35 Stem x8

33291 1 x 1 Round 54200 1 x 1 30 4733 1 x 1 Modified

Plate with Flower degrees (cheese) Brick with studs on
Edge x32 Slope x150 all 4 sides x32

19119 Plant Flower

Stem with Bar and 6
Stems x1

Building instructions:
1. The lower trunk:
~ build a pillar of cones then place the rows of the technic chains around them

5 rows of chains are needed for this technique,

but you can make the trunk the size you want

This next design by balbo._ features an interesting trunk and uses

x7 per row
1x1 modified bricks with studs on all sides to position stem pieces so x35
. These stems then attach to cheese slopes, creating a natural- x3
looking bunches of leaves. 12
2. The upper trunk 4. The construction
~ build the upper truck from the following pieces ~ Now you have the branches, attach the stems to the modified bricks, and the
unique 6 point stem at the top

x2 x2 x2

3. The branches
~ There are 30 bunches in total, so have fun building all 30 of these!

x24

x1 x1 x5

x30 in total Creating

x24 x8
x6 A similar
technique
also by
balbo._ uses
taps instead
of modified
bricks to
position Another similar
Creating green flower technique by
studs balbo._ using 6
x1
x1 point stems and
flower round
bricks.
The cheese slopes can be
replaced for other pieces such as
regular or flower studs
13
BLOSSOM TREE
To create the featured picture, we would need nearly 10 pages of
tutorials. So instead we’re sharing a tutorial for a smaller tree (the
next technique in this handbook), but if you do want to make the
featured picture you can collect the below pieces in your required
quantity and use the technique shown below:

By James Shields Classic The pieces you will need:

Difficulty: EXPERT -- pieces

3742c01 Plant 2417 6 x 5 Plant 3741 Plant Flower

Flower Small, 4 on Leaves Stem
Sprue

88072 1 x 2
Modified Plate,
with Arm Up

1. Connect the flowers to the stems

2. Connect the stems to the leaf piece
3. Build out more flowers and stems
4. Attach to your trunk with the
modified plate

This technique by James Shields creates the flowers seen on

cherry blossom trees. The 6x5 leaf piece acts as the base with the
plant stems being built on the studs. The flowers are then
connected, as well as being connected to more plant stems and
flowers. Because these other parts are not connected to the base,
they sag a little to create the rounded shape of the foliage. Finally,
the build is attached to the tree’s branches by connecting the
modified plate's bar to the base's open studs.
14
MINI BLOSSOM
The pieces you will need:

By Ruben Ras Classic 3742c01 Plant 87087 1 x 1 Modified

Difficulty: MEDIUM 54 pieces Flower Small, 4 on Brick, with Stud on 1
3741 Plant Flower
Stem x22
Sprue x16 Side x4

3062b 1 x 1 Round
3022 2 x 2 Plate x6
Brick x6

Building instructions:

1. The trunk and box:

~ build a pillar of cones and the box that the stems will attach to

x4

This design is by Ruben Ras and uses the same technique as the
previous page but on a smaller scale. Only using 6 different
pieces, it’s a great technique to include in your city MOCs due to
it’s small yet detailed design. x6
x6 15
 STUD SHOOTER
2. The branches For the larger branch, leave the
~ create 2 types of branches as shown below flowers on the sprue, but for the
smaller one remove the flowers

As 4 of this branch
are needed and
one flower for
each, only one of
By Miro Dudas Birch
the 3742c01 piece Difficulty: MEDIUM 55 pieces
x4 is needed

x1 x4
x1
(see above)

x4
3. The construction
x2

~ Now you have to attach all of the larger branches together to create a half
sphere

To finish, add
1 more sprue
to the top and Next we’re onto birch trees, distinguished by their white and grey
connect the bark and thin trunks. This first technique by Miro Dudas uses a
x4 others to the
piece you might not think is very useful, the stud shooter. It’s
box
4 more flowers on unique composition of the two parts and a protruding bar from its
sprues are needed side makes it perfect for this application, as branches using 1x1
to connect the hollow studs and more stud shooters can connect to the protruding
larger branches to bars, positioning the leaf pieces to create the canopy.
the smaller x1 x1 16
The pieces you will need:
Building instructions:

1. The trunk:
~ construct the trunk, positioning the stud shooters as shown

2423 Plant Leaves 2417 Plant Leaves 2417 Plant Leaves

4 x 3 x9 6 x 5 x1 6 x 5 x7

x5 x3
x5 x3 x1

3062b 1 x 1 Round 4073 1 x 1 Round 15391 Minifigure

Brick x5 Plate x7 Weapon, Mini Blaster
(stud shooter) x6
2. Branch number 1:
~ build the branch with the pieces shown

x1
15392 Minifigure
Weapon, Trigger for 3957 1 x 4 30374 4L Bar 4L x3 x4
Mini Blaster x6 Antenna x4

x2

x1
85861 1 x 1 Round
4589b 1 x 1 Cone
Plate with open x1
with Top Groove x4
stud x3

x1 x1
x1
x1
x1
17
3. Branch number 2:
5. The construction:
~ build the branch with the
~ build the top of the tree and attach the branches to the trunk
pieces shown x3

x1 x1 x1
x1
x1

branch number 3:
x1
x2 x1

x1 x1

x1

4. Branch number 3:
~ build the branch with the pieces shown

x2

x1 branch number 2:
x1

x1

x1
x1

x1 branch number 1:
x1 x1

Open studs are a must here, as the

hole allows the branches to attach to
the stud shooters in the trunk
18
 Pictured left is an example by
ANGLED BARS
delayice on Flickr of using just By JS_Ninjnerd Birch
stud shooters to create dead or
burnt trees. Just stack them on top
Difficulty: MEDIUM 30 pieces
of one another and you'll get a
great texture from the piece.

Pictured right is another

example of just using stud
shooters, but this time they are
also used to create branches.

This technique by JS_Ninjnerd is very similar in its overall

appearance but uses a different set of pieces, this time using
hinges and clips to create the branches and position the leaves
for an overall smaller design. 19
The pieces you will need: 2. The branches: You can use 4x3 leaf pieces
~ construct the branches, creating 3 in total too or change the orientation
of the leaves to change
things up

x1

32607 1 x 1 Round
2417 6 x 5 Plant 3062b 1 x 1 Round
Plant Plate with 3 x1
Leaves x8 Brick x6
Leaves x4
x2
x1 x3
3. The construction:
~ build the top of the tree and attach the branches to the trunk
4073 1 x 1 Round 3957 1 x 4
30374 4L Bar x3
Plate x2 Antenna x1

x1

x2
26047 1 x 1 Rounded
11090 Bar Holder
Modified Plate with
with Clip x3
Handle x3 x1

Building instructions:
1. The trunk:
~ build the trunk from the following 3 pieces

x2 x3
x6 20
 The pieces you will need:

LAYERS OF SLOPES
This part in sand green is
particularly rare

By Chris Maddison Pine

Difficulty: BASIC 87 pieces 3062b 1 x 1 Round
4733 1 x 1 Modified
3024 1 x 1 plate
Brick with studs on
Brick x1 x18
all 4 sides x7

54200 1 x1 30 3794b 1 x 2
3023 1 x 2 plate x12 degrees (cheese) Modified Jumper
Slope x41 Plate x6

3710 1 x 4 This 1x4 can NOT be exchanged for two

plate x2 1x2s or it won’t connect to the SNOT brick

Building instructions:
1. Layers no1 and no2:
~ use the modified bricks to position the slopes as leaves
x2

x1 x4
x2
This technique by Chris Maddison creates pine trees using 1x1
‘cheese’ slopes as the main part. Various layers of increasing size x2
are built, with 1x1 modified bricks with studs on all 4 sides used to x9
x2
position the plates and slopes. 21
2. Layer no3:
~ build the next layer with following pieces
x4
x8

x4
x1 x2

3. Layer no4:
~ build the next layer with following pieces

x4 x6 x2
x6

You can make as many

of each layer as
x8 possible; for example
x1
this tutorial uses
different layers to the
featured picture from Pictured above is the same technique by Chris but
Chris
he changes up the design by exchanging most of the
sand green slopes for white slopes to show snow on
the pine needles.
4. The construction:
~ Connect all of the layers and add the trunk

x1 22
 The pieces you will need:

LEAF WEAVING PINE

By Emil Lidé Pine
Difficulty: EXPERT 60 pieces 2423 4 x 3 Plant 2417 6 x 5 Plant 11213 6 x 6 Round
Leaves x3 Leaves x38 Plate with Hole x1

If this is too many

leaves to collect, you
can reduce the size of
the tree by creating less
3062b 1 x 1 Round 3941 2 x 2 Round rings (see next page)
Brick x2 Brick x16

Building instructions:
1. Create your trunk:
~ as said in the description, Emil’s trunk is rather complicated, but you can
create any trunk as long as it has a larger diameter at the bottom.

x2

x16

This technique by Emil Lidé creates the shaping of a pine tree with
the same technique as Katie Walker. The leaf pieces are x4
interlocked to create rings that are then pushed down to create
cones. These are placed onto your trunk, which in the picture has For example, you could use
been made from axes and droid arms. This trunk technique is very 2x2 cylinders for the bottom
advanced and could not fit into this handbook, but if you want to of the trunk, then the 6x6
have a go at it click here, however we’ve used a simpler trunk. round plate followed by the
1x1 cylinder. 23
2. Creating the first ring of leaves: 3. Creating the other rings:
~ follow the steps to create a 5 leaf ring ~ now create 4 other rings with 6,7,8 and 9 leaves
x5

This 5 leaf
ring is what
we created in
step 2.

6 leaf ring 7 leaf ring

x30

8 leaf ring
9 leaf ring

4. Shaping the rings into cones:

~ push down very gently on the top of the rings to create cones

This will push the leaves

outwards, and you will hear a few
‘clicks’ as the leaves shift position

Note that we’re not trying to bend

the leaves, just make them
interlock in a different position

Do this for all 5 rings

to get 5 cones 24
5. Positioning the rings: For the full tutorial by Full
Plate Builds click here
~ slot the rings onto the trunk as shown

6. Finishing the design:

~ add on a 3 leaf cone at the top and then three 4x3 leaves to fill in the gaps

x3 Pictured above is a very similar technique by Norton74 who

weaves the 4x3 leaf pieces together then adds 1x1 round studs in
white to give them a festive feel. These trees also use less parts in
general but the same technique of weaving them together then
placing them over the trunk.

x3

25
 The pieces you will need:

CLIP BUNCHES
By arctrooperstudios Pine 3062b 1 x 1 Round
4733 1 x 1 Modified
3062b 1 x 1 Round
Difficulty: MEDIUM 205 pieces Brick x1
Brick with studs on
all 4 sides x32
Brick x24

This is a lot to collect

in this colour so you
could use bright
4073 1 x 1 Round green or white instead
15712 1 x 1 Modified
Plate, Straight Side
Tile with Clip x129
x19

Building instructions:

1. The trunk:
~ build up a trunk with the brown cylinder, modified bricks and studs

This technique is another that’s been used by multiple builders so

it’s hard to trace it’s original creator, but the above image is from
arctrooperstudios. It utilises the 1x1 modified bricks and this time
1x1 clips are used to create the texture of pine needles. Layers of
increasing diameter are built and added until you reach your x6
x1 x3
desired height.
26
2. Adding the connection points 4. The construction:
~ connect the rest of the studs and cylinders to the trunk as shown ~ now add on all of the pine needle sections to the connection points

x16

x24

3. The pine needles

~ Create the pine needles with the modified bricks and clips

x24

x2 x1
x9 x5
27
 The pieces you will need:

OCTAGONS + HINGES
By Wochenender Pine
Difficulty: MEDIUM 204 pieces 75937 2 x 2 Modified 3941 2 x 2 Round 4032 2 x 2 Round Plate
Plate, with Brick x14 with Axle Hole x2
Octagonal Frame x6

41769 4 x 2 Wedge,
3024 1 x 1 plate x8 3023 1 x 2 plate x48 Plate (Right) x8

Dark green pieces are generally more expensive than

bright green, so bear this in mind when buying parts

63868 1 x 2 61252 1 x 1 4073 1x1 Round

Modified Plate with Modified Plate with Plate, Straight Side
Horizontal Clip x44 Clip Horizontal x4 x1

3069b 1 x 2 Tile x4 63864 1 x 3 Tile x8 6636 Tile 1 x 6 x8

This pieces isn’t available

This technique by Wochenender uses octagonal and hinge plates in green so use regular
1x4 plates / tiles
to angle tiles to represent the pine needles. For the pictured
example, snow has been added using white tiles instead of the 60485 9M Technic 92593 1 x 4 Modified
usual green, but you could just use green if you prefer. Axle x1 Plate with 2 Studs x48 28
Building instructions: 4. Creating the top of the tree:
~ slot the pieces onto the technic axle and position the modified plates on the
octagonal plate
1. The base trunk:
~ build up the cylinders and attach 8 branches to the octagonal plate
x4
x1

x8 x4
x6
x2
x8
x4
x1 x1
x1
x8

2. Layer no1: 5. The construction:

~ attach clips and the other pieces to the octagonal plate, building 3 in total ~ attach all the sections together to create the full tree

x8
x2

x16

x1

x16 x3
3. Layer no2:
~ attach clips and the other pieces to the octagonal plate, building the top ring

x8
x2

x8

x8 x1 29
 The pieces you will need:

SIDEWAYS STEMS
By AceBricks Pine
Difficulty: BASIC 77 pieces 3741 Plant Flower 4733 1 x 1 Modified 3062b 1 x 1 Round
Stem x53 Brick with studs on Brick x5
all 4 sides x7

4073 1 x 1 Round
Plate, Straight Side
x12

Building instructions:

1. Layers number 1 and 2:

~ use the modified bricks to position the stems as leaves

This technique has been used in many MOCs over the years, but
x3
was first created by AceBricks on Flickr. It also uses 1x1
modified bricks with studs on all 4 sides, but attaches stems as
the main part to create the pine tree. It’s a very simple technique x1 x5
x1 x8
only requiring four parts, but does a good job of creating realistic
pine needles. 30
2. Layers no3, 4 and 5:
~ create the other layers as follows
x1

x8

x4

x8
x1
x8

x1 x4
x8

You can make as many of each

layer as possible; for example this
tutorial uses different layers to the
featured picture from AceBricks

Pictured above is a MOC by Ben Pitchford using the tree

technique detailed in the tutorial. Although the technique leaves
gaps between the stems meaning other techniques look better
closer up, this technique is great for larger applications as shown.

x1 31
 The pieces you will need:

T PIECE PALM
By Devid VII Palm 10884 6 x 5 Plant
Leaves with Clip
4733 1 x 1 Modified
Brick with studs on
85861 1 x 1 Round
Plate with open
Difficulty: BASIC 24 pieces x10 all 4 sides x1 stud x1

4697b Pneumatic T 2563 2 x 2 Tree

87994 Bar 3L x1
Piece x5 Palm Base x1

2536c or 2536d These palm pieces can be rare

Plant, Tree Palm and expensive, so you could
Trunk with Axle change the trunk for another palm
Hole x5 tree trunk technique.

Building instructions:
1. The trunk and connector:
~ construct the trunk for the following pieces, slotting them together

This technique by Devid VII creates palm trees using a trunk made
of palm tree pieces and features a unique way to position the
leaves. 1x1 modified bricks connect to pneumatic t pieces which
the leaves can attach to, creating a full canopy. x5 x1 x1
x1 x1 32
2. Adding the leaves:
~ add all five t pieces, making sure to angle the top one to 45 degrees then attach
2 leaves to each as shown

This is a slightly different

arrangement to Devid’s but
you can experiment with what
x5 you think looks best

x10

Pictured above is a technique by delayice on Flickr that also uses

the palm tree trunk pieces, but instead of creating palm trees, they
are used alongside 6x5 leaf pieces. 4L and 3L bars can be used to
connect the leaves at various points to the palm tree trunk pieces,
ensuring a solid connection.

In Devid’s build, he also uses

the 4599b tap piece to angle
the sword leaves, which you
could experiment with if you 30374 Bar 4L
want to change up the (Lightsaber Blade / 87994 Bar 3L
technique’s design. Wand)
33
 The pieces you will need:

RINGS PALM
By Emil Lidé Palm
10884 6 x 5 Plant 10884 6 x 5 Plant 4733 1 x 1 Modified
Leaves with Clip Leaves with Clip Brick with studs on
Difficulty: MEDIUM 46 pieces x4 x16 all 4 sides x1

30340 Minifigure
4589b 1 x 1 Cone 6064 2 x 2 x 4 Plant
Utensil, Flotation
with Top Groove x19 Prickly Bush x1
Ring x4

You can use whatever length flex

tube you want and adapt the
trunk accordingly, just leave
75c26 Rigid Hose around 5 cones space at the top
3mm D. 26L / for the leaves
20.8cm x1

Building instructions:
1. The trunk:
~ slot the cones onto the flex tubes

This technique by Emil Lidé is another way to position the palm

tree leafs that also features a cheaper trunk design. It utilises the
1x1 modified bricks again but this time uses flotation devices or
rings, creating a full canopy with very few gaps. x1 x18 34
 DINOSAUR PALM
2. The top of the trunk:
~ slot on the bush, cone and modified brick

x1 x1 x1
By Jonas Wide Palm
Difficulty: MEDIUM 49 pieces
3. Positioning the leaves:
~ attach the leaves to the flotation device, then to the modified brick

x4

x1

x4

x1

To attach the
trunk to the
base, you could
use a 2x2 round
tile with hole or
any other piece
you want.
This technique is a unique take on palm trees, using dinosaur
flippers to create the leaves. Used by Jonas Wide, these pieces
work well for this application and can’t really be replaced.
35
The pieces you will need: 2. The top of the tree:
~ slot the following pieces onto the 6L bar

2536c or 2536d
2563 2 x2 Tree 6064 2 x 2 x 4 Plant
Plant, Tree Palm
Palm Base x1 Prickly Bush x1
Trunk Axle Hole x6

x1
x1 x1 x1
x2

48729b Bar 1L with 75937 2 x 2 Modified 98284 2 x 2 Modified 3. The leaves:

Mechanical Claw Plate, with Octagonal Plate with Pin Hole ~ Attach the mechanicals claws and leaves to
x16 Frame x2 and 4 Arms Up x1 the octagonal plates

4032 2 x 2 Round Plate 40386 Dinosaur 63965 6L Bar with

with Axle Hole x1 Flipper with Pin x20 Stop Ring x1

Building instructions:
1. The trunk : Jonas’ design uses this trunk but you
~ connect the base to the trunk pieces can choose another if you prefer

The bush is flexible so you can push

x6 the ends around the trunk pieces to
x1
integrate the top section better. x16 36
 SIMPLE PALM
The pieces you will need:

By Luis Pena Palm 4733 1 x 1 Modified 54200 1 x1 30

30374 4L Bar x1
Difficulty: BASIC 57 pieces Brick with studs on
all 4 sides x10
degrees (cheese)
Slope x40

4274 Technic 6064 2 x 2 x 4 Plant 2566 Palm Tree

Half Pin x1 Prickly Bush x1 Top x1

10884 6 x 5 Plant
Leaves with Clip
x3

Building instructions:

1. The trunk:
~ connect the modified bricks and ‘cheese’ slopes as shown
x10
This technique by Luis Pena features a more elaborate-looking
trunk and a simpler foliage design, although you cannot make the
trunk bend. The trunk uses ‘cheese’ slopes and modified bricks x40
while the foliage uses the palm tree top piece to position the palm
leaves.
37
 TECHNIC TRUNK
2. The top of the tree:
~ slot the bar through the bush and attach the technic pin to the palm tree top

x1 By Joeri Ridder Trunks

Difficulty: BASIC 20 pieces
x1
x1
x1

3. Positioning the leaves:

~ attach the leaves to the palm tree top then connect the bar to the trunk

x3

You can
also use 4
leaf pieces
if you can
attach
them to the
palm tree
top piece This technique by Joeri Ridder creates a thin trunk and positions
6x5 leaf pieces at various points using two pieces in particular:
the technic connector and 1L bar. This creates a twisting trunk
and allows you to angle the leaf pieces for a variety of designs.
38
The pieces you will need:
2. The leaves:
~ add the leaves to the 1L bars

2563 2 x 2 Tree 32062 2M Technic

87994 3L Bar x2
Palm Base x1 Axle x2
x8

32016 Angled 92690 1L Bar with

2417 6 x 5 Plant
Technic Axle and Top Stud and 2 Side
Leaves x8
Pin Connector x3 Studs x4

Building instructions:
1. The trunk:
~ construct the trunk as shown

x2 A 1x1 round brick

is a cheaper
alternative to the
x4 palm tree base

x1
x1
The bars
attach to the
hole inside
x2 the technic
connector

39
 The pieces you will need:

THIN TRUNK
By Mountain Hobbit Trunks 87580 2 x 2 Modified 2423 4 x3 Plant
75c14 Rigid Hose
3mm D. 14L /
Jumper Plate x1 Leaves x14
Difficulty: BASIC 20 pieces 11.2cm x1

This flex tube is the most common

(on Bricklink) and therefore the
cheapest to buy
983 Hand x4

Building instructions:
1. The trunk and connector:
~ use the modified bricks to position the slopes as leaves

Any piece that has a stud with a hole

can be used for the 2x2 jumper plate, x4
such as a 1x2 jumper plate, 1x1 open
stud, or technic bricks

x1

This technique is incredibly simple yet can add a lot to your MOCs
with it’s detailed design. Only using four pieces, it has been used
If more strength is required, you
by many builders but the featured image is by Mountain Hobbit on can reinforce the base of the
Flickr. In particular, he uses minifigure hands to show small x1
trunk by using a 1x1 cone piece
branches off the flex tubes.
40
2. The leaves:
~ slot the leaves onto the flex tube (remove and reposition the hands around too)

x14

You can position the

leaves however you
want and use as many
or as few as you choose
Pictured above is a technique by Tirrell Brown that also uses flex
tubes, but bends them together to create a more detailed and
In this design, thicker trunk. He also uses whips and sea grass pieces to make
6x5 leaves are the designs fit better in jungle environments.
used instead
of just 4x3
leaves

You can bend

the flex tube 88704 Minifigure,
slightly instead 30093 Plant
Weapon Whip Bent
of having it
going straight up Flexible Sea Grass
41
SLOPE TRUNK
The pieces you will need:

By JS_Ninjnerd Trunks
Difficulty: MEDIUM 83 pieces 54200 1 x 1 30
degrees (cheese)
4733 1 x 1 Modified
Brick with studs on
3039 2 x 2 45
degrees Slope 45
x2 all 4 sides x7
x22

4073 1 x 1 Round
983 Hand x6 3623 1 x 3 plate x6
Plate x14

11090 Bar Holder 2555 1 x 1 Modified

30374 4L Bar x3
with Clip x3 Tile with Clip x3

3794b 1 x 2
3023 1 x 2 plate x7 3023 2 x 2 plate x2 Modified Jumper
Plate x6

This technique by JS_Ninjnerd is simple in its conception, but

uses a variety of pieces to achieve the design. Slopes are angled
11477 2 x 1 Curved
using the modified bricks and branches are added to layers using
Slope x2
clips and bar holders. 42
Building instructions: 3. The top of the trunk:
~ use the modified brick to position plates as the top of the tree

1. Layer number 1:
~ Use the modified bricks to position the slopes and form the trunk

x4
x1 x2 x4
x2 x6 x6
x1

2. Layer number 2: x2
~ Use the modified bricks to position the slopes as well as the following pieces, x1
which will allow you to connect branches later
4. The construction:
~ connect all of the layers together

x2
x2
To create the
x1
design of the
trunk, angle
each section
x3 by 45 degrees
to vary the
placement of
the studs
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1

43
 FLEX TUBE TRUNK
5. Adding the branches:
~ construct the branches and attach them to the 1x1 clips as shown

By Ralf Langer Trunks

x1
Difficulty: EXPERT 203 pieces

x1
x2

x3
This branch design isn’t a solid
connection, so although it will stay
put, it is not ideal for play or if you
want to add leaves to the branches

This final technique by Ralf Langer is a complex trunk technique,

utilising flex tubes and modified bricks to create a twisting trunk.
This build requires a lot of different pieces; so many that the
instructions are colour coded to help you through each step. This
technique is advanced and expensive, but you can use the
principle of it to create your own trunks of any size. 44
The pieces you will need:

11477 2 x 1 Curved 50950 3 x 1 Curved 61678 4 x 1 Curved

Slope x13 Slope x3 Slope x3

75c16 Rigid Hose 4733 1 x 1 Modified

3mm D. 16L / Brick with studs on 30374 4L Bar 4L x1
12.8cm x2 all 4 sides x19

14417 Plate,
15068 2 x 2 2417 6 x 5 Plant Modified 1 x 2 with
Curved Slope x1 Leaves x22 Towball on Side x4

85861 1 x 1 Round
4073 1 x 1 Round 4073 1 x 1 Round We recommend using black studs but in the
Plate with open
Plate x58 Plate x2 instructions we have used dark bluish grey so
stud x1
they are more visible against the modified bricks

14418 Plate,
Modified 1 x 2 with We’ve used reddish brown instead of dark brown
Small Towball in this tutorial as the pieces are overall cheaper,
Socket on End x4 but you could mix both colours if you want
3024 1 x 1 plate x13 3023 1 x 2 plate x20 3623 1 x 3 plate x1

3069b 1x2 Tile x12 63864 1x3 Tile x5 2431 1 x 4 Tile x12

3068b 2 x 2 Tile 4032 2 x 2 Round Plate 4286 3 x 1 33

with Axle Hole x3
with Groove x1 degrees Slope x3 45
Building instructions: 2. Adding the studs:
~ attach the studs to the modified bricks (both a front and back view are shown)

1. Positioning the modified bricks: As said on a previous page, use

~ position the flex tubes as shown, connecting them with modified bricks, then black studs instead of grey as
attach the other modified bricks in the specific places they will blend better with the
modified bricks. It is just easier
to show where they attach when
they are a different colour to the
modified bricks.

x1
x58
Front
x2 view:

x1

x2

Back x1
view:
x17

46
3. Adding the bark (front):
~ attach the pieces below as follows After this step you should end
The pieces for this page: up with this:

. . . . .
. . . . x4 x5 x1 x2
x2

x1

. .
x2 x2 x4

.
x1
x1

. .
.
.. .
.. . .
.. . .. . .
.. .
. .. .
47
4. Adding the bark (back):
~ attach the pieces below as follows The pieces for this page: After this step you should end

. . . . .
up with this:

. . . .
x2 x2 x1 x2
x3

.
x4

. x1 x2
x1

. . x2 x1

.
.. .
... .
. . ... . This piece is
unclear from this

.. .
angle so it is

. . highlighted on
the next page

48
5. Adding the bark (side): 6. The tops of the branches:
~ attach the pieces below as follows ~ finish off the top of the branches with the following pieces
The pieces for this page:

. x2
x1

. x1

.
x1 x2

.
x2 x2

. x1 x1

. x2
These are the total
pieces needed for
the front and back

. .. . x4

x6
Back
view:

x1

x12

x5

Front
view:
49
7. Adding the canopy This design uses a
simple canopy but you
~ use the 3 different pieces to create a simple canopy
can build it how you
want and use any
colours you choose

x2

x2

x2 x2
x11

Connection points: The final design:

x11

As long as you use the ball

joints to angle the leaves,
you don’t need to follow
these steps, just build them
how you want
50

THANK YOU
FOR READING
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We want to say a huge thank you to all the builders who let us
use their techniques and images, especially those who
provided extra images and explanations. Without their
creativity and willingness to share their techniques, this
handbook would not be possible.
We also want to give our thanks to Emil Lide, aka. Full Plate
Builds for his input into this handbook as well as creating the
TREE TECHNIQUES graphics on the front page.
Images from the instructions were created in LDD and
rendered in Stud.io v2 or photographed by the credited
builder.
Images for the part lists were taken from Bricklink.
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modify, distribute, copy, reproduce, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform,
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electronic, mechanical or other means including photocopying, microfilming and
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Failure to comply with these terms and conditions will ensue a copyright claim. Please
respect the creator of this handbook as well as the builders who contributed their
techniques.
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