No, TreeShaper is more than just a geometry nodes setup. While it utilizes geometry nodes for advanced twig distribution and tree structure generation, it also provides an intuitive user interface that allows you to easily define grow zones, customize tree shapes, and control various parameters. This combination of procedural generation and manual customization makes TreeShaper a versatile tool for creating realistic and unique trees in Blender.

If you're experiencing long computation times or crashes while using the TreeShaper addon, this can be attributed to several factors. The algorithm is inherently computationally heavy, and various parameters can influence calculation time. Consider using many attractors which will increase the computational load. A smaller grow length can lead to more complex calculations. A smaller kill distance will also increase the overall calculation time. The overall amount of iterations contributes to the processing time. The algorithm stops when all attractor points have been reached, even if the maximum number of iterations has not been utilized. However, if there are attractor points that cannot be reached due to constraints like "No Grow" zones, the algorithm may loop through the maximum number of iterations, leading to prolonged computation times and potential crashes. To speed up the algorithm, reduce the number of attractors. Simplifying the number of attractors can significantly lower computation time. Increase grow length and kill distance. Adjusting these parameters can help balance computation intensity. Ensure that your attractor points are not blocked by "No Grow" zones which can lead to unnecessary looping in the algorithm.

If your tree has failed to grow, there could be several reasons. Here are some troubleshooting steps: Look at your attractor objects. Check how far away they are from the tree. Consider increasing the "Max Radius of Influence" parameter. Review the tropism vector and factor settings. Keep the vector elements in the range of -0.7 to 0.7 and the factor between 0.95 and 1.05 for optimal results. Examine the grow length in relation to the overall size of your tree. Adjust if necessary. If the "Branching Angle" parameter is set too small, the tree may not reach all attractor points. Consider increasing this value. Check the "Kill Distance" setting. If this value is too small, it may hinder tree growth. Verify if any of your attractors are excessively shielded by "No Grow" zones. Ensure that the origin of your tree is not located within a "No Grow" zone. When using multiple attractors, consider using a smaller grow length and a reduced kill distance to improve calculation time.

If you’re encountering ugly artifacts on the trunks or branches of your trees, this is a common issue related to the skin modifier. Here are some steps to resolve the problem: Change the "Base Weight" or "Weight Exponent" settings in the skin modifier. This can help smooth out the geometry. Increase or decrease the subdivision surface levels. This adjustment can help refine the surface and reduce artifacts. As a last resort, manually change the radius of the skin modifier to achieve better results.

This error typically occurs when the attractor or root zone is completely enveloped by a "No Grow" zone. As a result, the algorithm cannot initialize the attractor points needed for tree growth. To resolve this issue, ensure that your attractors and root zones are not entirely contained within any "No Grow" areas. Modify the boundaries of your "No Grow" zones to allow space for attractors and roots to function properly. Ensure that your attractors are placed within areas that allow for growth and are not obstructed.