I think sapling only (spooky trees) and foliage only (bushes) are good options too.
Hopefully the devs like this and it’s feasible, but of course I wouldn’t hold my breath for this.
You may want to consider ‘contracting’ someone to come build your trees for you. I would offer to do it, but I’m getting burnt out on wood chiseling since I just finished building a pretty big tree and am working on an even bigger one as my main workshop/storage area.