bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Perfect trees in nature?

I think we forget a lot of times that we are surrounded by trees that, while beautiful, are typically very young. And the tradition of bonsai isn't about replicating trees of average or young age.

This is about trees with great age, super special trees that have stood the test of time. And I think that after 400 years or so a tree will have traits associated with the rules of bonsai.

For instance many young trees around us in the landscape have plenty of bar branches, this is a big time no no rule in bonsai. But in 100 more years or so those things will work themselves out, one branch will be shaded by the other and die off.

I think the traditional rules of bonsai do apply in nature its just that typically we don't see those rules on a day to day basis because the trees around us in our day to day lives, haven't had enough time or influence by the elements to exhibit those traits.

This is why we wire, pinch, and prune, to accelerate the time table so we can enjoy the presence, energy, grace, and beauty of an ancient tree in the comfort of our garden.

6-Dec-2005	#10
ethanopia bonsaiTALK Artisan Join Date: Jun-2005 Location: Columbus, OH Country: US of A USDA Zone: 5 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 107	I think we forget a lot of times that we are surrounded by trees that, while beautiful, are typically very young. And the tradition of bonsai isn't about replicating trees of average or young age. This is about trees with great age, super special trees that have stood the test of time. And I think that after 400 years or so a tree will have traits associated with the rules of bonsai. For instance many young trees around us in the landscape have plenty of bar branches, this is a big time no no rule in bonsai. But in 100 more years or so those things will work themselves out, one branch will be shaded by the other and die off. I think the traditional rules of bonsai do apply in nature its just that typically we don't see those rules on a day to day basis because the trees around us in our day to day lives, haven't had enough time or influence by the elements to exhibit those traits. This is why we wire, pinch, and prune, to accelerate the time table so we can enjoy the presence, energy, grace, and beauty of an ancient tree in the comfort of our garden.