Page 54 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

54 Top trees for bonsai

Features to consider Visit a bonsai nursery. It is in your interest to select trees
of a suitable species that have been prepared for bonsai.
Certain factors are very difficult to change without Specialty bonsai nurseries supply a wide range of material
serious amounts of effort or advanced techniques. for all budgets—and if you have questions, you’ll often
Use these as a starting point for evaluating the tree. discover they are mines of information about their trees.

∙Nebari The surface roots and root buttress can be out; this type of heavy pruning may leave large,
problematic for trees that have not had detailed work unattractive scars, but it is sometimes possible to
done. Trees do not naturally develop a balanced conceal them with deadwood features. Avoid trees
surface root system in a pot; often one-sided roots with inverse taper, where branches have sections
develop. Other problems include crossing roots, thicker than the trunk that supports them. It tends
roots that circle around the trunk, or aerial roots. to occur when several branches are left to grow out
Some issues are easier to solve than others, but all from one node and can be very difficult to correct.
can be addressed over time.
∙Trunk movement The trunk line should follow
on from the root base, defining the direction and
character of the tree. Avoid trunks where movement Mature material
looks unnatural or man-made, and very straight can be pricey;
sections—unless you intend to create a very formal, be aware that a
upright tree. high price will
not guarantee
∙Taper and thickness In most bonsai styles a good success. The
sense of taper in the trunk enhances the effect. projects in this
It can be introduced by encouraging selective book were each
created for less
thickening, but it does take time to develop. Taper
than $250 and
and thickness are often created by making a severe all will improve
cutback to a new leader and allowing it to grow over time.