Was this a yeast bread recipe?

Yes,it was.

I haven't made a tree, only doves, I don't see why another shape wouldn't work. Cardamom may be omitted.

Kulich (Sunset Apr.79) koo-leech, Russian Easter Bread
(less rich in eggs and butter than traditional ones)

1/2 warm water
2 pkg. active dry yeast
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cardamom
2 tsp. salt
2 oz. butter
about 5 c. unsifted flour
2 eggs. slightly beaten
2 tsp. grated lemon rind
1/2 c. chopped blanched almonds
1/4 c. each raisins, candied orange peel, cherries & citron

Sugar glaze: 1 c. pd. sugar plus 5 tsp. milk

Dissolve yeast in water; set aside. Scald milk & pour nto mixer bowl.
Stir in sugar, cardamom, salt & butter; cool to lukewarm.
Beat in 3 cups flour until dough pulls away from sides of bowl.
Beat in with wooden spoon yeast mixture, eggs, rind, nuts & fruit.
Work in remaining flour, kneading 10 min. until smooth & elastic.
Turn in greased bowl, cover, let rise until doubled.
Punch down & form 3 ovals for 3 greased 1-lb. coffee cans.
Cover with greased lids & let rise til lids pop off - about 1 1/2 hrs.
Bake in preheated 350 F. oven about 35 min. or until skewer comes out clean.
Cool in tins 10 min., remove & finish cooling on their sides.
Before serving, drizzle glaze over tops & garnish with candied cherry and whole blanched almonds as flower petals.