How to depict forests?

[Elbows]

Yeah, I'm a little ambivalent toward that style, but I see it's appeal.  I think we can agree we'd probably like some mats with "forest base" included, if not the trees themselves.  Sticks, dead leaves, roots, etc...something to place our trees on - but then the mat would look weird without trees.  Shame.

[Harry Faversham]

Don't fret not seeing the wood for the trees.
It can always look worse!!!



 

[has.been]

Harry, just get out a pair of scissors & trim those outlines into irregular shapes. Job done!

[Harry Faversham]

Harry, just get out a pair of scissors & trim those outlines into irregular shapes. Job done!

By Jove, I think he's got it!
Why didn't I think of that!!!???

 

[Patrice]

Harry, just get out a pair of scissors & trim those outlines into irregular shapes. Job done!

By Jove, I think he's got it!
Why didn't I think of that!!!???

  ...Actually it would depend on the area and historical period...

If the land near the woods are ploughed fields, the farmers certainly wouldn't want irregular shapes on the fields edges.

[jon_1066]

Delineating the edge of the wood is key in my mind.  So concentrate all your available trees and lichen to mark the boundaries of the wood.

This is 6 mm but gives a good impression of the effect:
http://www.grandtacticalrules.com/html/gameboards.html

So it delineates the forest space, hides the edge of any mat you use and practical to game (since you can place troops freely in the forest area.

You could combine it with general leaf litter, fallen branches and the odd stump so it is very clear what is wood and what is cleared.

[Dr. Zombie]

Another way to go is to have "negative" scenery. As I did here https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=116997.msg1500597#msg1500597
All the table counted as jungle/forest except the river and the grass and boggy areas who were designated as open ground.

In a sense you model the open areas and have everything else be forest.