Hi there.
Last night I was contemplating the proportions of a newly acquired yew. I was considering the final height and wanted to follow the 6:1 rule. That made me wonder if there's any sort of guideline for determining how wide a tree should be compared to the trunk.
Would the ratio be dependent on style?
Thanks for your thoughts.
-B
Hi B
There is no 6:1 rule but if you look at all the styles of bonsai and in fact very mature trees you will find that 6:1 is the average of trunk to height thickness.
Of course Judy and Dav4 are correct in what they say that it is only about what looks good. But often being able to explain why it looks good can be very beneficial.
If we take 6:1 as the average then under this at say 4:1 the tree is what we may call masculine or close view. It exudes power and strength. Then a tree above 6:1 would be seen as a more gracefull tree or a far view. So we can vere to either side of 6:1 and it will change the way we see the composition. The most important thing is that the rest of the tree tells the same story as the trunk to hieght ratio. We don't want to put masculine branches on a gracefull trunk. That is like a person wearing a digital watch in a Cowboy movie it just doesn't fit.
There are a few ways we can use this knowledge Brent Waltson suggests that if you are stuck for an idea with a tree then start at the 6:1 radiate this around all the branches and cut everything outside this off. This may be great when you have hundreds of trees to work over but for us just picturing this 6:1 may help to find an image even above or below this ratio. It is also a very good technique for beginers to use as they often create trees that are too tall when first starting.
Another way is what I find happening most often with me these days is just double checking that you are on the right track. I will find a form and style in a tree and set a plan. Then on the more important trees I might run a tape measure over my plan to see if my eyes are playing any tricks on me. This is most helpful in showing how much room is left to regrow a leader or such and still be around the ratio you picture today.
It is very interesting to put the ruler over trees in nature and also the bonsai. You will find that your eye will occasionally play tricks on you and working out why is very interesting and I believe very helpful in bonsai design.
I think a read through this will be very helpful
http://andyrutledge.com/book/