Leesa

Hi Jay - if only I had such a dilemma!. I think the "moral dilemma" as described is more about YOU - not the guest you have described or what you have invested in the tree.

I am, therefore, going to assume that the "you" in your secenario is 1)retired or has time available to be generous with it, 2) comfortable financially and not in need of additional income and 3) a nice guy - you are - so I assume you mean that to be the case, here.

The price should be what will allow you to sleep well that night and spend time at your bench the next day with a smile on your face. That price may well be dependent on your take on the guest - granted. It may be zero - "Take it home and bring it back every month or so - we can work on it togethor" - a chance to teach a worthy (in your assessment) student of bonsai - also a chance to make sure your tree is cared for properly. Or - it may be "I have $50 in that tree and my time over the past 10 years - but I do not sell trees for profit so I will let you have it for $50 and your time - some help during potting season. Would you be willing to spend say, about 20 hours here in the spring?" Or - it may be "Sorry, I don't sell my trees to strangers. Ask me again in a year or so when I know you better."

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Respectfully, Lee Sanner