Bonsai means plant in a pot. The objective of bonsai is to have a
miniaturized bit of nature in a container. There are several basic themes that are
pursued.
Pruning is a major part of the art form. Not only must top parts be pruned, but also roots.
Incorrect pruning is also a major cause of problems that could result in declines, or even
death of the tree. The flush cut is still the method of choice, along with lots of wound
dressings.
To have a long-lived tree it is necessary to treat it constantly.
In the forest there are many super dwarf trees that are similar to bonsai. Some white
pines in our area can be over 30 years old and only 30 to 40 centimeters high.
- Alex Shigo
Japanese Landscaping - Japan - photo by Gunther Eichhorn
