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: Formal and Informal

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 of Bonsai

If the Informal upright types of bonsai trees style are suitable for Beech, Japanese maple and Trident Maple trees, this slant style can be chosen for almost all bonsai trees. This is the style wherein the trunk extends to one direction while the lowest branch extends to the other direction. This style is quite common and very easy to shape and train.

Cascade types of bonsai trees

There are also the cascade and the semi cascade styles available. The cascade types of bonsai trees are those that have a sloping effect. The trunk is vertical and then is turned to one direction while the branches are trained to slope or cascade lower than the surface of the pot. The semi cascade is similar to the cascade except the trunk gradually slopes instead of turns to one direction.

Windswept style 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 Helps to make the styles of Bonsai tree

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.