Do all trees grow the same way?
To answer that question let me quote the devlog:
I've been working with one set of rules for growing them so far, but I'll be expanding the parameters and pictures soon (for pines, saguaros, tower caps, etc).
So toady uses a rule based approach. By Rules basicly stuff like "Grow 2 tiles in hight before branching" or "Do symetrical branching" is meant thus it sets the growth behavior. This is mixed with a bit of randomness and variances to get greater variety while still getting similiar trees. Its a bit like our DNA or the current creature Makeup which determines how our basic form (Bipedal, 2legs, 2arms, a head and a beard) looks while variances/randomness determine individual aspects. For a tree that might be in which direction he/she/it branches (yes trees have genders). Also the outside influences might play a role, like where you can get light, space for root growth, previous damage etc. Since atm there is only one "set of Rules" you get only one basic "tree-form".
I have a followup question thought for toady:
I love how you do this, it gives us nice dense forrests if done right but i wonder if you include the Physical aspects in your growth algorithm. Given that you have only one set of Rules (atm) i could imagine that respecting stuff like the Tensile and compressive Strength or the solid density of the different wood-materials makes still a difference in the outcome (for example if certain breaking points are reached).