In my opinion, the best way to have a pine tree is to plant it as a sekijoju (for those who don't know, it's the root-on-rock style). This is not only because it looks SO friekin' cool, it's also because that the roots of a pine tree are just ideal for climbing on rocks.

Straight and leaning pines are also cool.The worst way to make one is to bend it into loops and curves that are bound to(as a result of watching it too long) make you seasick.

Isn't anyone going to comment on this one?

Everyone sees something different in bonsai, so everyone will have a different opinion on what to do with pines. If you like root on rock best, then go for it! Someone else sees a sweeping tree battered by wind, or an informal tree with great nebari. Or a forest.

All are valid expressions of the art, if done well. So no one is really likely to come on and discuss whether your personal preferences are better or not. Maybe you could do an article on how to do root over rock, or how best to keep them alive, or what trees work best in the species of pine? Or do an article on the various ways that pines look good on rocks....on the top, or nestled into a cavity, or on the side with its roots reaching around to hug the rock.

Looking forward to hearing more about this!

Joanie

"In my opinion, the best way to have a pine tree is to plant it as a sekijoju (for those who don't know, it's the root-on-rock style). This is not only because it looks SO friekin' cool, it's also because that the roots of a pine tree are just ideal for climbing on rocks."

Ever tried to grow a root on rock pine? The realy good ones take a very long time...