All-In-One tree overhaul package with enhanced Vanilla trees. Supports RAT, SFO Branches, SFO Snowy Pines, and more! Mod screenshots are EVT Lush (default options) under the Step SkyrimSE mod build.
Not technically required, pairs well with the Fewer Vanilla Trees patch
Permissions and credits
Credits and distribution permission
Other user's assetsSome assets in this file belong to other authors. You will need to seek permission from these authors before you can use their assets
Upload permissionYou are not allowed to upload this file to other sites under any circumstances
Modification permissionYou must get permission from me before you are allowed to modify my files to improve it
Conversion permissionYou are not allowed to convert this file to work on other games under any circumstances
Asset use permissionYou must get permission from me before you are allowed to use any of the assets in this file
Asset use permission in mods/files that are being soldYou are not allowed to use assets from this file in any mods/files that are being sold, for money, on Steam Workshop or other platforms
Asset use permission in mods/files that earn donation pointsYou are not allowed to earn Donation Points for your mods if they use my assets
Author notes
You may not use this mod or anything included within this mod for any monetary purposes. This includes, but not limited to: donations, alternative monetary currencies (aka Donation Points), pay portals, member only access (aka Patreon Subscription only access), etc.
File credits
See bottom of Description for more detail:
Vurt for his 4k pine foliage textures and snowy trees foliage meshes (link)
AceeQ for realistic aspen tree branch textures (link)
TreesHD_Skyrim_Variation by namotep for this 4k aspen bark texture (link)
Enhanced Vanilla Trees SE - Simplified Chinese Translation
Changelogs
Version 2.3.0b
Created LOD models corresponding to the updated tree meshes
Version 2.3.0a
PLEASE create a bug report for any discovered issues. Include the name of the tree and all installation options chosen in the report.
Fixed branch lighting to drastically reduce 'glow' effect of Soft_Lighting shader with high Lighting Effect 1 values (LE1 reduced to 0.6)
Extensive UV edits to fix the "floating debris" issue around the branches of many trees due to clipping with adjacent textures on the atlas
Additional UV edits to allow branch textures to be 'clamped' for better LOD performance (when they are created later)
Soft_Lighting flag added to branches of 05 dead pine variants, because the normal faces are too dark
Various metadata edits to most meshes to simplify working on these trees
Version 2.2.2
treepineforestdeadsnow03.nif was invisible due to NIF optimization in the distant past. All 8 variants have been fixed in all files. Enjoy the additional trees scattered around Tamriel.
Merged fixes previously in Update Files into the Main Files
Modified the FOMOD to be compatible with all mod managers.
Version 2.2.1
1. Reverted package to the combined version as in 1.9.0 and used that version as a basis for 2.2.1 -- i.e., all SFO darker/greener Custom Trees variants have been revived 2. Revived custom treepineforest*03 variants for the main mod previously dropped from 1.7.1 -- i.e.,newest DynDOLOD 3 tools for creating hybrids and model outcome are significantly improved 3. Updated all corresponding 1.9.0 assets to 2.2.0 versions -- e.g., upscaled/new textures, optimized meshes, new Hbrid LOD models, etc. 4. Reverted three SSE-optimized meshes using BSMultiBoundNode that are known to become invisible when NiTriShape is converted to BSTriShape -- causes LOD trees to pop 'out' in transition to full 5. Fixed a few Custom Trees greener pines meshes referencing a nonexisting normal -- pine05_green_n.dds changed to pine05_n.dds 6. Removed all 1.9.0 LOD-related assets 7. Created new hybrid models for all Custom Trees and 'revived' trees -- hybrid LOD and trunk models are installed alongside all corresponding full models 8. Removed some redundant textures and resolved some Custom Trees 2K:4K texture inconsistencies 9. Split into three files for smaller downloads, since these are all mutually exclusive anyway (Basic, Lush, Custom) 10. Simplified and updated FOMOD with screens for every option that would benefit from an example
UPDATE: Added missing 2K aspen bark textures to Custom Trees version. Removed 4K aspen option. These are now installed with 2K/4K textures options.
UPDATE: Added missing Alternative Branches textures for Custom Trees that were excluded by mistake.
UPDATE: Separated Custom Trees into two files to reduce download.
UPDATE: Floating bird-nest fix above the dead tree at the Shrine to Peryite added to plugin in Update Files to overwrite plugin from Main Files.
UPDATE: 10/26/2021 - Fixed many SFO pine models referencing an invalid partial texture path. This will alleviate DynDOLOD warnings. Also merged the Peryite nest fix into Basic and Lush.
UPDATE: Patched a 1.6.xxx update affecting editorID TreePineForestUprootedStump01Heavy_SN 3D Index
Restored a missing bark normal map for SRG_TreePineForestSnow05 if this option is used for Custom Trees (see Update Files).
Version 2.2.0
MINOR UPDATE CHANGES
General =================================================== - Combined all 2.1.0/1 files into a single installer (with the exception of Custom Trees, which is still a stand-alone version) - Removed all file redundancies among versions (duplicate/unused/invalid assets) - To fix all LOD issues, rebuilt from scratch every applicable 3D hybrid tree - Renamed "Tree Clutter" option to "Miscellaneous" to better describe content (meshes for vanilla coastal driftwood, branch piles and Whiterun trees) - Removed all LOD-capable trees other than Whiterun trees from Miscellaneous option (e.g., Reach trees) - Added LOD models for all qualifying 'dead' trees, including some large stumps that can be visible in the distance - Added trunk models taken from base models where applicable per new DynDOLOD packaging standards - Removed all pre-generated LOD per DynDOLOD standards (DynDOLOD 3 now a hard requirement for end users as per standards) - Reconstructed FOMOD, adding screenshot compares, enhanced descriptions, and indicators for 'recommended' options and a more informative guided install
New 3D hybrid LOD models ========================================= - Created LOD models for ALL candidate trees meeting size/form requirements. About 10% of all LOD models are 'full' 3D models, which means that the trunks are treated like the crowns in the final passthru_lod.nif. This is because these trees have asymmetrical trunks or lack crowns that can be flattened without being obvious. The performance impact is negligible and offset by other optimizations described below. - Flat trunks for hybrid trees are based on enhanced 'template4.nif' LOD models that ship with DynDOLOD 3 Alpha 39 and increase quality/lighting of the models depicted on the atlas. Crown/trunk NIF inputs used to construct the 3D hybrids were optimized/corrected to reduce file size of several LOD models and to correct exceptions detected by the LODGen script mediating the hybrid-creation process. Also nullified incomplete texture paths in a few base SFO models to correct similar exceptions thrown by new LODGen hybrid assembly script. - Trunk models now included with the mod are used by TexGen 3+ to generate HD trunk billboards used by 3D hybrid flat trunks on the atlas via DynDOLOD 3, allowing customization of trunk textures by end user to get matching trunk 3D LOD. The result is that all mesh options will have correct and matching LOD whatever the options chosen in DynDOLOD (i.e., traditional tree LOD or 2D trees/3D object tree LOD). **** Pre-generated LOD match only the mod list and load order of the mod author and WILL result in incorrect or incomplete LOD for almost every end user, so this problem is no longer possible with v2.2.0.
Added two missing SFO larger pines textures
Version 2.1.1
Updated Alt Branches file to correct snowy files being installed when they shouldn't.
Version 2.1.0
MINOR UPDATE CHANGES
General =================================================== - Corrected several issues with 3D Trees for Custom Trees (missing 3D trees and included files for Greener Pines). - Corrected the missing tree clutter from the 'Custom Trees AIO Greener Pines' option. - Corrected the missing billboards for the 'Custom Trees Greener Pines' options. - Updated the Alternative Branches installer to allow more customization.
Alternative Trees ========================================= The SFO Snowy Trees option has been updated to the latest version of SFO. This work was completed by myself, Soulmancer, SparrowPrince, and T4gtr34um3r...a huge shout out to everyone! With this update the SFO Snow Tree option has been cut down to a single option, that is to say when you install this option you get Vurt's trees without alterations (beside any fixes that may have been incorporated during the update). Darker meshes and greener pine options are no more and the SFO dead snowy pines have been cut so only the heavy snow pines remain. This is to pay homage to Vurt's work and it also really simplifies updating this option in the future.
Version 2.0.1ABT
Added darker EVT branch textures.
Version 2.0.0AT
Separated out from main mod as an alternative option. Generation of LOD is required. (nothing changed from previous upload. Just accidentally deleted it.)
Version 2.0.0
MAJOR VERSION CHANGES
General =================================================== We've separated the mod into various parts. This will make continued support far easier, since issues will now be much easier to track down and fix.
Each of the five core tree options have been separated out into their own archives and are presented as the Main Files. The alternative branch textures and alternative tree options have also been separated out into their own Optional Files. The Main Files contain everything users will need, thus, the installation of the Optional Files is...optional. However, installation of any of the Optional Files will require users to generate their own LODs using the included billboards. Custom trees are still required to generate LODs.
Textures ================================================== The core branch textures have been updated. The regular branch texture (TreePineForestBranchComp) was processed and upscaled via Gigapixel AI to clean up the textures and scale from 1x2 to 2x4 (vanilla size). Then it was hand cleaned to remove artifacts.
The light snowy and snowy branches where irrecoverable via AI, therefore, they were remade from scratch using the regular branch texture as a base. A new snow texture was layered over and the texture hand painted to the base. The over saturated (hard) whites resulting from lighting has also been mostly correctly, however, some ENB/ReShades may still push things too hard.
The three textures above also have a correct background generated now for improved mipmaps. Users will generally notice brighter trees in the mid-range due to this, which is because the previous mipmaps were broken; displaying black where there shouldn't be any. Though a bit brighter, the mid-range branches will now be cleaner. Users should regenerate their LODs.
Several normal maps for the Custom Trees were also updated. These should provide more detail, better colors, and better mapping to the diffuse for this tree option.
LODs ====================================================== - Darkened the normal pine tree trunk brightness for 2D LODs. Snowy pines were also slightly darkened for the darker meshes. - Fixed TreePineForestSnowL01 size for Custom trees (was erroneously using the large version). - Fixed missing TreePineForest01 for the Custom trees options. - A few pre-generated LODs were dropped because they included an Optional File in their generation. - Updated pre-generated LODs for all Main Files to work the new textures and for a better color match. - Added missing pre-generated LODs for Darker mesh options. - Tweaked LOD size for several other trees within the various options. ***** Users should regenerate their LODs. *****
A note about billboards for 2D LODs: The billboards are made in such a way that generating with a LOD brightness of 0 with DynDOLOD should match for vanilla lighting. Users changing their lighting (weather mods/ENBs/Reshade/etc.) should use this as their baseline to adjust the LOD brightness up or down. We are aware some tree LOD branches are not balanced (too bright or too dark). We will be correcting this in future updates.
We matched the LOD brightness in-game using clear weather (81a) at time between 10am and 3pm, game time. This means the full model tree trunks were in half to full shadow during the matching process to attempt to balance the brightness. Since LODs aren't shadowed, users may find the LODs not fully matched when the time-of-day lighting is shining on the trunks or when they are half shadowed. Furthermore, since there aren't shadows on LODs there will also "feel" like there is a bit of pop-in/fade-in when the LODs render into full models and receive a shadow. This is just a limitation of the game and the best we can do is try to provide some balance.
Version 1.9.0
MINOR VERSION CHANGES
General ============================================ What began as an update to fix the reported issues with the tree meshes quickly evolved into a full blown update. The deeper I dove into the mod the more issues I discovered. I've installed all the options that have meshes and fixed any issues I noticed, so hopefully this will be a more stable version.
A note about SFO Snowy Pine Trees: The TreePineForestSnow01 tree has a large curved portion at the top. This makes it impossible to get a perfectly matching billboard for it. The best solution to this was to make the billboard as straight as possible. This reduces pop-in with this tree, however, it will always have some pop-in; depending on the angle the player is approaching it during cell load. Users should be aware of this when using 2D LODs. Bug reports about this tree will be ignored because it can't be fixed. It is the best it's going to get. Since the branches are rendered with 3D Trees, this isn't an issue; therefore, if SFO Snowy Pine Trees is used, I would recommend generating 3D Trees for the best experience.
Assets ============================================ I ran the entire mod through Cathedral Asset Optimizer with 'Full optimization'. If you notice any issues from the optimization, please report with the name of the mesh and options installed. The meshes below were reverted due to them having issues in the game after optimization: - All Aspen trees due to them no longer loading. - TreePineForest01 from a few options due to the trunk no longer loading. - TreePineForestDead01 from Custom Trees (Small)
All TreePineForest*03 tree meshes (the shortest ones) have been removed from the mod. Most of these trees would stop loading in the game if they were either ran through optimization or saved from NifSkope. Since the only edit was to remove some lower branches (all versions), I decided to simply remove all of them, meaning vanilla meshes are used; thus, fixing all issues with these trees. However, this does mean that these trees will be vanilla-sized with the Large options. I don't see this as an issue because it still looks good while adding to the tree height variety.
I recreated all 3D Tree files using a newer method. This new method allows the branches on the 3D Trees to update when the user changes the branch textures. This is a great new feature that reduces files while increasing compatibility. Prior to this change there had to be specific LOD textures to accompany the 3D Trees. - There are still some minor issues with the trunks of the EVT/Lush TreePineForstDead*01 and *05 trees being too small. I'll correct this eventually, however, these assets are rarely used compared to the other trees so you may never even notice.
I also fixed the following: - Issue of TreePineForstDead01 & 05 from the "Custom" options using the incorrect billboards. ----- Credits to PaleRiderx for the 'Indistinguishable Billboards for Skyrim SE' billboards used. - I didn't keep track of them all, but there were a magnitude of adjustments to billboard heights throughout the mod.
Installer ============================================ - Updated the installation the 'SFO Snowy Pine Trees' billboards to reduce unused file installations. - Fixed issue of the "Darker Meshes" > "Lush Trees (large)" option installing the small billboard files rather than the large. - Updated the first page to portray more accurately what the options are installing. ----- "Vanilla" has been renamed to "Enhanced Vanilla Meshes" ----- "Post-processing" has been renamed to "Enhanced Darker Meshes" ----- The options have been reversed on the page as well, so pay attention!
Version 1.8.1
HOTFIX CHANGES General ============================================ - Fixed Custom Large tree Billboard heights.
Assets ============================================ - Ran all Dead Pine 04 & 05 meshes through full optimization.
Installer ============================================ - Moved the vanilla textures to the '000 Core' folder. This means they will always be installed by default and will be overwritten when selecting different options in the installer.
Assets ============================================ - Updated all RAT options to use the SE version of the assets. - Corrected the Billboards for *pineforestdead*01 and *pineforestdead*05 assets. - Corrected the scale on *PineForest*01, *PineForest*02, and *PineForest*05 Billboards. - Removed 3D trees for EVT's treepineforestdead05 since this is a dead tree without branches. - Re-created all Hybrid 3D Tree passthru files. This should fix any issues with them not generating due to bad CRCs. - Re-created all pre-generated LODs from new billboards. This now includes all worldspaces with trees in them. Previous versions only included Tamriel worldspace. - Updated EVT and RAT billboards for SE lighting. I edited them to achieve a better match in SE. Saved the files in BC7 format. The RAT billboards are far better than those provided by RAT for vanilla lighting.
Installer ============================================ - Reworked the installation of the billboards to ensure the right files get installed and to optimize their installation. - Fixed some pre-generated LODs not installing. - Optimized RAT installation. .
Version 1.7.1
HOTFIX CHANGES
General ============================================ - Removed some more unused files.
Assets ============================================ - Updated Billboards to include Aspen trees from 'Indistinguishable Billboards for Skyrim SE'. Credits to PaleRiderx. - Added vanilla Billboards for Dragonborn.esm from 'Indistinguishable Billboards for Skyrim SE'. Credits to PaleRiderx. - Ran 'treepineforestdeadsnow03.nif' through Full optimization using Cathedral Asset Optimizer. Should fix reported bug. Thanks kranazoli! - Added missing Billboards for the 'SFO Branch Textures - Vanilla' options. For now, Custom tree trunks will be a bit off until I have a chance to redo them from scratch. This could potentially cause some texture changes on load, but I'm not sure.
Installer ============================================ - Fixed issue with SFO Snowy Trees not installing with Lush Small option. - Fixed issue with RAT Billboards only installing with the EVT option. - Optimized the installation of SFO Snowy Trees options. - Updated Billboards option to always install vanilla-based Billboards to ensure no Billboards are ever missing. If you see a mismatched Billboard, please report it! .
Version 1.7.0
Intial Re-release Changelog
General ============================================ - Removed Standard/Hi-res texture options. The HD textures are installed for all users, which are mostly equivalent to vanilla. - Removed 'Darker LOD' options. Users wanting darker LODs than what is provided will have to generate their own. - Users selecting Custom Trees and/or SFO Branch options are now required to generate their own LODs, regardless of options used. - Removed some unused files.
Plugins ============================================ - Ported plugin to SE using the CK. - Renamed the main plugin to reflect the mod's name.
Assets ============================================ - Ran all assets through Cathedral Asset Optimizer for "necessary" updates. From the logs, I don't think it touched anything. - Updated the snowy pine textures for all SFO Branch versions to SFO v1.87 (latest vanilla version SFO supported). - Merged 'Billboards' file assets into the main file to be installed, in-line, based upon user selection. When Billboards are selected users will always have the billboards installed for their base option (Enhanced Vanilla, Lush, etc.) with additional billboards overwriting the base. I designed it this way 1) as a fallback so that users will always have a billboard installed and 2) to reduce redundant files. Thus, mismatched billboards will likely always be an error in the installer and will need to be reported.
Installer ============================================ Updated to a BAIN folder structure for WB users. Unfortunately, this also means the Wizard is scraped until I can rework it. This is a pretty complicated install for auto installers (FOMOD and Wizards). FOMODs just happen to be far easier for me to script than Wizards are so don't hold your breathe. Due to the updated folder structure, redundant files were reduced. This, in turn, reduced size the the mod.
The FOMOD has been fully redesigned from the ground up. It fully utilizes conditionals, which allows it to install the proper files based upon user selections. Some of the specific changes made include the following: - "Vanilla" replacement options are now selected by default to better clarify which options are the vanilla options. - Removed the firewood textures from the main install. These textures will be provided as an optional selection. - Green Pines optional will only show up for users who've selected 'Custom Trees'. - Regrouped all the optional addons onto a single page, except Greener Pines. - Changed verbiage and updated most of the descriptions to add some clarity. - LOD pages have been more refined based on availability of LODs. - Renamed several headings and option names for better clarity. .
Version 1.00a
Hotfix for Custom Lush TreePineForest01.nif mesh causing a CTD
Version 1.00
Initial 1:1 port
Enhanced Vanilla Trees (EVT) is a mod that aims to enhance the vanilla experience. Though vanilla enhancement is at the core of the mod, we also provide a variety with optional branch textures from Skyrim Flora Overhaul and alternative trees from Realistic Aspen Trees and SFO.
Enhanced 'Vanilla' Trees (see below for how we do this)
'Lush' option, which double the amount of branches on the pine trees
Large tree options that are 50% larger than vanilla trees
Custom Trees that have the lower, leafless branches removed from their trunks and alternative trunk textures to be more visually pleasing
Support for Realistic Aspen Trees built in
Support for Vurt's Snowy Pines Trees from SFO built in
Optional pine branch textures created by Vurt from SFO
Optional greener bark textures (only for Custom Trees options)
Support for ENBSeries/ReShade/Weather mods that increase ambient brightness via darker trunks
(≤ v2.1.1) Pre-generated LOD included --Bad practice! LOD accurate only for the mod author's mod list!
(≥ v2.2.0) Pre-generated LOD NOT included (DynDOLOD 3+ required to generate tree LOD per best practice)
Through splitting the mesh and UV-remapping, the trunk texture is applied, vertically, around the tree trunk 2x to 3x more than vanilla. This results in less texture stretching, thus, allowing the texture detail to remain closer to its original quality. This technique does not result in any performance loss!
Besides having 2x to 3x the quality on all tree trunks, these higher polygon meshes also allow EVT to have more complex and detailed trunk shapes. Here is an illustration of the technique applied to the trunks:
As a side effect trees will have reduced branch animations. While the leaves on the trees are still animated, branch movement is not possible at this time. This is true for all tree mods that provide custom meshes. If this is an issue for you, do not use any mod that replaces tree meshes and stick to texture-only mods for trees. We might investigate in the future how to work around this limitation.
Following is a demonstration video of the animations that can be expected:
Tree Object LOD Skyrim LOD (level of detail) allows distant terrain, objects, and trees to be seen by the player even when the cells are not loaded, making exteriors in the game much more visually appealing and realistic. Tree LOD can also be rendered as object LOD by DynDOLOD.
IMPORTANT:
Native Skyrim LOD matches unmodded vanilla Skyrim ONLY (and is low quality).
DynDOLOD can be used to generate LOD matching the current mod list
When mod authors package LOD generated using DynDOLOD into their mods, this LOD matches their mod list at time of generation and is called "pre-generated LOD"
Pre-generated LOD based on pure vanilla + mod yields LOD that will be accurate ONLY for those NOT using any additional mods that affect exteriors
Most mod authors DO NOT create pre-generated LOD with only their mod active and no other mods active that affect exteriors
Pre-generated LOD is perfect for the person that generated it BUT NOT FOR ANYONE ELSE
The ONLY way to have LOD that matches a particular mod list is to generate LOD oneself. For example ...
If a mod author provides pre-generated LOD in it's most compatible form (only the mod author's mod is active during LODGen), then those using a mod that adds any object to the exterior worldspace will not have LOD for that object, which will simply appear out of nowhere once the cell is loaded (pop-in)
If a mod author provides pre-generated LOD with many other mods affecting the exterior worldpace active during LODGen, then those using a mod that adds any object to the exterior worldspace will not have LOD for that object AND will see distant objects that ARE NOT THERE and disappear when the cell is loaded (pop-out)
v2.2.1+ Represents a return to the original mod options as in v1.7.1-
Remade hybrid LOD models created using latest DynDOLOD 3 tools. Pre-generated LOD NOT included, per best practice.
DynDOLOD 3 compatible for those generating object LOD for their mod list.
Revived SFO darker-bark variants (Basic/Lush) and greener (Custom Trees) options retired in v2.0.0
Revived TreePineForest*03* enhanced vanilla tree variants retired in v1.9.0
Fixed most SFO models, which were referencing invalid partial texture paths
Added Peryite bird nest fix to plugins for Basic/Lush
Installation This mod's plugin (ESP) is compatible with everything. It references and modifies existing vanilla records only and does not add any new records. The same plugin works for all versions and all variants of this mod.
Install one of the Main Files using the guided FOMOD installer.
Specific to file versions ≤ 2.1.0 ONLY (versions for those still using DynDOLOD 2)
DO NOT use the Main File
Install ONE Optional File with prefix #1
If installing the #2 or #3 Optional Files, take note of your choices from the #1 Optional File, as you will be required to duplicate some of them during the installation of the Optional Files.
Pre-generated LOD included for those that do not want to generate object LOD specific to the mod list/load order. See IMPORTANT above
To generate tree LOD specific to the load order, install the Billboards option in the installer, and run DynDOLOD2 (see Generating LODs article).
(optional) Install Alternative Branch Textures. Choose to overwrite or install it separately.
(optional) Install Alternative Trees. Choose to overwrite or install it separately.
Compatibility EVT is only incompatible with mods having plugins that modify the same vanilla aspen and pine records. EVT will conflict with any mods that provide resources used by EVT meshes if those resources override EVT's versions. EVT provides 'loose-file' resources rather than a BSA, so as long as the EVT installation priority supersedes that of conflicting mods having same-named mesh/texture assets, the EVT assets will prevail.
Grass/Landscape mods - EVT does not touch any grass or landscape textures.
All texture replacers are compatible with ≥v2.2.0 (override EVT with these mods' assets). LOD trees may not match for earlier versions if textures replace any used by EVT.
If you like this mod, please leave an endorsement! Leaving endorsements and comments is a good way to motivate mod authors to upkeep EVT. Screenshots and showcase videos are highly welcome! Other Skyrim SE mods by SomeRamdomGuy83
