Almost exactly the same way i go about modelling trees.
Though i start by creating the basic shape of the trunks and of the branches by using curves, which are afterwards converted to a mesh and then merged at the specific points on the trunk.
It enables a nice wavy flow of the branches, much easier to do by using curves than manipulating them by hand.
Though the workflow becomes not faster, caused by the converting process but much easier and "lighter" in a sense while working.
Just a kind suggestion.