1 | initial version |
Try using this filter, it's faster than bilateral, and is probably easier to control.
Second, take a look at this answer, and apply a version of it. No guarantees it will work, but it's worth trying.
Third suggestion: Use findContours, and erase any sections that aren't vertical. That should cut down on the leaf edges and make Hough Lines work better.
Trees are hard. More generally, Nature is hard.