How big is too BIG???

Tincan

Every week it seems like I see a new bonsai that is bigger then the last. How big

does a tree get before you can no longer call it a bonsai and it becomes just a

regular tree. Im sure it depends alot on the type of tree but seriously if its bigger

then you its just a regular tree

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TreeBay

Yes, much depends on the personality of the species. A redwood, for example, needs to be a certain size to make a convincing tree, based on the scale of its foliage and growth habit. But if you get much beyond 1m (39 inches or so) you're pushing the envelope.

Regards,

Matt

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pioneersnt

So if this old pear tree survives, will it qualify, or be just a tree in pot?


It currently stands just under 4 feet. It is mostly dead wood and will need a lot of carving and time. Finished size may be around it's current hieght.

Attached Images

	Old Pear 001.jpg (68.8 KB, 116 views)
	Old Pear 003.jpg (69.2 KB, 60 views)
	Old Pear 004.jpg (69.4 KB, 53 views)

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TCTNY

Isn't this really a question of scale and not size? The pear tree as an example for discussion...could be smaller depending on the size of the leaves, species of pear etc. From the photo - the leaves look smallish in size - the trunk could be chopped almost in half; yet if the pear back buds easily new branches and/or a new top can be grown in time. This would create a tree with incredible taper. It's alot of work chopping a tree in half and then re-growing the branches and creating a new crown. Is this something that the bonsai artist wants to do ?

Whether we continue to see larger trees or not - does not seem to be the question; some people enjoy working both big and small, others only have access to certain material..still others don't enjoy re-potting massive stumps and moving heavy trees around their backyard. There is plenty of room for everyone...and hey...I like that pear tree....

Tom

gregb

If you can reduce its height by 2/3rds, it would make a powerful image. You can see from the bottom detail on the right photo there is some taper at the base but it quickly becomes straight as a fencepost the further up you go. The trick to this becoming a good bonsai will be gradually chasing the growth from the top down to the bottom then making the chop you finally make look convincing. This may take a couple of successive chops through the years. That, I think, is one of the pitfalls of working large stock sometimes is that the timeframe to finished bonsai is greater the larger you go. But the end result if done properly may just put you on the map

Ralph

The big pine bonsai in this picture was about 5 ft.

Attached Images

big pine.jpg (65.8 KB, 109 views)

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Kyle

Hmmm. I've never really thought about height restrictions or anything of that sort... I know bonsai is an art form, but isn't part of the definition have to do with "dwarfed trees"? ...the philosophy of Bonsai

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PatArizona

"...How big does a tree get before you can no longer call it a bonsai..."?

Without any bonsai philosophy, conditions...whatever...

"They" used to say that if a plant was over 60 inches tall, it was not a bonsai.

The rest of the story goes something like this...many, many years ago, the Emperor of Japan decided that he wanted the Imperial Palace grounds spruced up with bonsai. And, walla! The Japanese Imperial Palace Bonsai Collection was born!

Across the many, many years, these bonsai were religously tended. They grew, and grew, and grew. Suddenly, "they"...whoever "they" are...realized that some of the bonsai had grown so tall that they blew the lid off the upper limit for height of a bonsai.

What to do, "they" asked. Finally, in their collective wisdom, "they" decided to create a new size category for the tallest of the tall...specifically for the tall bonsai in the Japanese Imperial Palace Bonsai Collection. "They" called it The Imperial Size Bonsai.

The Imperial Size Bonsai is loosely defined as "...up to 120 inches, or more...". That is TEN FEET!

So, the next time you visit the Japanese Imperial Palace Bonsai Collection, you can impress your friends, and anyone else who might be listening, by telling them that "...these are Imperial Size Bonsai...".

Don't you feel educated?

Your welcome...

Pat

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THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

Tincan

I feel eduacted.


Very good points all around