bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - The Last Frontier: Ugly Rootball

Al, I answered your root versus nebari question on the other post. Kind of in a round about way though. Plus I know that you know the answer. You're just trying to put some life in the old forum! That's why I put a healthy root system at the top of my list. And nebari at the bottom of the list. What I mean by healthy root system is one that can keep the tree healthy through the tough treatment of bonsai training. Nebari, on the other hand are about looks and should fit in with the overall design of the tree. They are only a conduit from the roots below to the foliage above. Although very close in proximity to each other, I tend to separate the two for design purpose. Roots are functional. Good nebari looks cool, artsy and all that stuff. It's possible to have excellent nebari and a poor root system or an excellent root system and butt ugly nebari. Either one will hinder you from making a great bonsai.

Tony

PS: great to have you aboard Mr. Fishy.

27-Feb-2003	#3
Tony bonsaiTALK Master Craftsman Join Date: Jan-2002 Country: USA USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 861	Al, I answered your root versus nebari question on the other post. Kind of in a round about way though. Plus I know that you know the answer. You're just trying to put some life in the old forum! That's why I put a healthy root system at the top of my list. And nebari at the bottom of the list. What I mean by healthy root system is one that can keep the tree healthy through the tough treatment of bonsai training. Nebari, on the other hand are about looks and should fit in with the overall design of the tree. They are only a conduit from the roots below to the foliage above. Although very close in proximity to each other, I tend to separate the two for design purpose. Roots are functional. Good nebari looks cool, artsy and all that stuff. It's possible to have excellent nebari and a poor root system or an excellent root system and butt ugly nebari. Either one will hinder you from making a great bonsai. Tony PS: great to have you aboard Mr. Fishy.