Trees planted too high, or choosing a suitible pot...

Forsoothe!

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I haven't been on a rant in such a long time that I can't even remember who I hate. This is probably a good time discuss what the proper level of a tree is in any container. I'll start by flatly saying that the tree, that is the ~wood~ can/should be plainly visible such that the roots can be above the rim, but the media/dirt/moss should be below the rim, and with a modest bit of inner rim visible. Looking straight through, eyes at rim level, nothing but tree. Pretending that a tree sticking up out of a pot is great bonsai because it "fits" in a very (for this tree) small pot is like size 12 woman wearing a size 8 dress being proud that she still fits. If you have trouble with crap spilling out of the pot when watered, then you are doing it wrong. That's beyond the aesthetics of the issue. The vessel is supposed to ~contain~ the show. The only exception is a slab or other vessel where the planting is customized to the peculiarities of the vessel.

Your turn.
 

Adair M

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I haven't been on a rant in such a long time that I can't even remember who I hate. This is probably a good time discuss what the proper level of a tree is in any container. I'll start by flatly saying that the tree, that is the ~wood~ can/should be plainly visible such that the roots can be above the rim, but the media/dirt/moss should be below the rim, and with a modest bit of inner rim visible. Looking straight through, eyes at rim level, nothing but tree. Pretending that a tree sticking up out of a pot is great bonsai because it "fits" in a very (for this tree) small pot is like size 12 woman wearing a size 8 dress being proud that she still fits. If you have trouble with crap spilling out of the pot when watered, then you are doing it wrong. That's beyond the aesthetics of the issue. The vessel is supposed to ~contain~ the show. The only exception is a slab or other vessel where the planting is customized to the peculiarities of the vessel.

Your turn.
Agreed.

The other exception is for Shohin trees. A little mounding is “acceptable” since the pots are so tiny.
 

Cadillactaste

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Agreed.

The other exception is for Shohin trees. A little mounding is “acceptable” since the pots are so tiny.
Thanks Adair for touching on that aspect...many of Suthin's smaller trees in his photos have that slight mounding. And they are stunning!
 

PA_Penjing

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I don't usually get too bothered by people doing what they see fit for their trees. But I totally agree on this, gotta get that pot right. Only thing worse than planting wayy to high is when the new media gets washed off and leaves behind the old circular mass from the last potting. Ugh, and I see it on some really high quality trees sometimes. Cmon man
 

VAFisher

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Hmm. For me, it's probably junipers planted too high in glazed pots.
 
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