Rock to tree size ratio?

[Moridin]

So since I began this new adventure a few months ago I have been drawn to attempting a ROR. What would the best size ratio for this?

I'm still trying to decide on a species of tree and any suggestions would be welcomed

 

[penumbra]

I think the ratio is nonexistent unless you know what end you expect. I have many times seen rocks used that were completely obscured when trees got larger.

 

[Moridin]

 

[Moridin]

Found these on my last hike around Folsom they are about the size of a softball.

I was thinking shohin size atleast on my first attempts

 

[TN_Jim]

rock beats scissors
scissors beat paper
paper beats rock

what species!?

what exactly is the rock cooking!!?

 

[BrianBay9]

Generally speaking you want either the rock or the tree to dominate. You don't want them to be of similar visual weight.

 

[Shibui]

There are a whole range of root over rock plantings. Some where the tree is dominant and the roots almost swamp the rock. Softball sized rock would suit a tree up to around 1 foot high?? Others where the rock is large enough to be a big part of the design. That would require a really small tree for these rocks.
ROR where the rock dominates can start to introduce complications into the arrangement as rock, roots, trunk and branches all need to compliment each other. If you have ever been frustrated because a branch is not in the right place on a single trunk tree then spare a thought for how much more difficult it is to get all 4 elements to look good together.
Tridents have been fastest and best roots for ROR here.

 

[sorce]

Initially it must be a large ratio because you should use seedlings.

Sorce

 

[Moridin]

Time to find some bigger rocks. Glad I live close to a area with some awesome ones.

Thank you all for the suggestions/advice.

Also I'll probably try some tridents at first as I had already ordered some seedlings.

 

[Shibui]

How to proceed will depend what stage the seedlings are at. If they still have intact roots they need to be root pruned then grown again for another year to get enough lateral roots to drape over the rock. If you are lucky and the grower has already done that before you may be able to start straight away.
ROR is very satisfying when it works but I have not been able to short cut some important steps in the process so it is a 2-3 year process even before you start to grow the trunks.