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"when it comes to branch placement, surely the tree would be best at deciding what a tree should look like?"

Not really, Alasdair. That would be true of a tree growing in the ground, given good growing conditions and left alone. They pretty much do grow branches in the right places and will grow into a good representation of the species. Bonsai is different though. You have to keep them small by chopping and pruning. This mucks up their natural disposition. You as the grower/designer have to choose which branches to leave and which ones to prune off. Even naturalistic styled bonsai are forced to grow that way. If you plant a small tree in a pot and just let it do its own thing you won't have a naturalistic bonsai you'll just have a mess.

Tony

9-Nov-2004	#13
Tony bonsaiTALK Master Craftsman Join Date: Jan-2002 Country: USA USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 861	"when it comes to branch placement, surely the tree would be best at deciding what a tree should look like?" Not really, Alasdair. That would be true of a tree growing in the ground, given good growing conditions and left alone. They pretty much do grow branches in the right places and will grow into a good representation of the species. Bonsai is different though. You have to keep them small by chopping and pruning. This mucks up their natural disposition. You as the grower/designer have to choose which branches to leave and which ones to prune off. Even naturalistic styled bonsai are forced to grow that way. If you plant a small tree in a pot and just let it do its own thing you won't have a naturalistic bonsai you'll just have a mess. Tony