@spork: don't you know of the 'meld' button in radiant!?! xD jk hehe
@nubcake: those trees are either patches, or badly done models, rite? brushwork trees look better, but I suppose if you are in a rush, the general idea is there. btw, is that a shark model I see there? I would be interested to use it in my map if you don't mind.
(glad my ideas can be of service to the community)