Ok guess i should answer you. Firstly you can go here
Sunset Scene (SimplyLightwave) and download the tutorial and go through it.
Or what i do is usually use morphs... the tree bent and shaped in say four or more positions.. then use the morph mixer to get a wind like effect. You will be surprised how simple and effective this is... But i would go into the graph editor and then adjust the curves and get some nosie or unbalance into them.
Ok for a realistic effect,,, say you really want to do a close up shot and really bent on realism,,, then go for the bones and dynamics approach. Use bones... and apply dynamics to animate them... This might give you the best result but the time taken to test and get to a stable animation will really kill you.
My personal way will be a combo... might use the morphs for the base tree.. and the leaves... a little jiggle or stretch. As for the branches.. Might do a couple which are near to the camera or in the shot, as bones and dynamics...
Ok a couple of tips on dynamics, try playing around with the values... dont increase them dratiscally... remember that if it is not going the right way on the first few tries.. then you are doing it wrong. So a lower value on the gravity,, a few winds.. and then a higher hold structure might be the thing...
Ok think i have talked too much... Dont worry... this is where Mark will come in and give you some more tips.... Me.. i am just a do it yourself kind of a person..
