by Andrew Perry

Bonsai trees are miniaturized versions of the bigger trees. These bonsai trees are shaped into many different styles and forms to please the beholder. These variations enhance the beauty of the trees themselves. The pots in which they are planted in must also be correlated to the style the tree is trained to be. These styles are formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi cascade, slant and windswept. These are the different types of bonsai trees available for shaping, training or forming.

Upright styles of bonsai trees

Trees that are suitable for the upright styles of bonsai trees style are Pine, Larch, Juniper and Spruce. This is because they have trunks that are straight upwards and their first lower branches are far wider than the rest. The rest of the branches will then follow suit and shape an overall triangular look for the tree. This is a great shape for beginners to practice with. Lending the tree an impression of motion, the informal upright style is similar to the formal upright except that the top branch needs to be extended forward instead of upwards. The Informal upright types of bonsai trees style are suitable for Beech, Japanese maple and Trident Maple trees

Slant style Bonsai

Even though most beginners tend towards the upright styles, the slant style that is more applicable to all trees. This is the style wherein the trunk extends to one direction while the lowest branch extends to the other direction. Some people would be comfortable to have this style for their first bonsai styling because it is very easy to shape and train.

Cascade style Bonsai

If they do not like the simple styles of upright and slant, then they can choose among the cascade and semi cascade styles. These styles have a sloping effect plus the trunk is vertical and turned to one direction. Aside from that, the branches are trained to slope or cascade lower than the surface of the pot. Sometimes, some people do not want the trunks turned into one direction so they choose the semi-cascade style, which is the same as the cascade style except the trunk gradually slopes.

Windswept style of Bonsai

Some people would have fun owning a bonsai tree that does not look too pretty and orderly. If so, they could choose the windswept style which is a miniature version of a tree that has been overwhelmed by strong winds. It looks a bit unruly and beautifully unkempt.

Pruning Bonsai is the key

These styles have been practiced for centuries as an art form. You can use the trimming and pruning methods in identifying the style of a bonsai, as this is one of the most important maintenance issues of this particular plant. The main objective of trimming and pruning the tree is to shape the bonsai into the desired form, and as well to reduce any growth taking place above the ground in order to maintain balance.

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