Deku tree isn't made from boards. Thats why it looks too artificial.
My advice to you is don't use any clear patterns. Here is a great example of how you COULD shade:
There are countless of ways to make things look like wood, so you should just google different kinds of tree textures and study them a bit.
im pretty set on the bark at the moment(though im still going to try mixing it up a bit like Niek suggested) but i will definitely have a go at that. Thanks.
sorry for double post.
Anyway, im going to be working on this a LOT over the next few days, trying all your suggestions. And hopefully, i'll have a lot of new variations for you guys to give c+c.
Thanks again for help so far guys.
EDIT:
Ok, small update with the barks WIP so far:
1]
2]
3]
4]
5]
Picture 1 is basically the first bark I ever did, and picture 2 is basically the bark youve already seen on the Great Deku Tree. Pictures 3,4 and 5 have a bit more pattern variation and roundness to them.(Thanks to Niek, Mamoru, and Master Yoshis suggestions)
Which do you guys prefer out of 4 and 5? Yoshi, which do you think looks more LttP style?