Well there is no such thing as a lame question. Lots to always learn. Discussing texturing is a never ending subject in and of itself.I liked the icy look so I stuck with that, but there are tons of ways to mix.I got Apack also on sale, but been having more fun I think with Shoestring.I didn't use that tho. Regular noise or turb would do fine.I do wish UV were better tho...in hex and carrara. Texturing is so important and the tree is great,but uv mapping is an industry standard and very important.That seems to get ignored alot in their products.Well things are definitely getting better and no product is perfect. Love to have zbrush, but that is out of the budget at the moment...that already spent more than planned.(LOL)Viva La Internet!

No need to think outside the box....
    Just make it invisible.