Interesting thoughts above. Forced landing briefings with students of the past always discussed the best method of landing in trees, which was to put the passenger module between the trees and let the wings take the impact, thus reducing the forward speed and protecting the occupants. Over the years there has been some quite successful and survival forced landings into trees.
Reading some of the above comments would indicate that perhaps this is not discussed or briefed today.
Bear also in mind that the pilot would have been in shock and in discussion with Constable Plod may have mentioned his good fortune in not being burnt alive, which the press have seized as their head line of the day.