What should I look for when I buy a tree? Trees can be expensive and great care should be taken when spending money. It is easy to part with money and buy a mistake.

Look at the roots. They should be fairly equal in size and all the way around the trunk. Look for roots that do not cross and tangle but grow out from the tree in an attractive manner.

The next thing to look for is the trunk. It should come out of the ground tapering from the roots so that it looks strongly planted. As the trunk goes up, no inverse taper should appear.

Look then for the possible first branch. There should be many low branches to choose from. The first branch (in an ideal tree) should be about 1/3 up from the ground, depending on the style of the tree. It is best if the tree has branches all the way around up to the tip.

It is not important to choose a front on young trees (up to 15 years old). Things can change rapidly in a few years, but keep an eye out for a possible front. If you cannot determine a front, find a back, the most undesirable side, and choosing the front will then be easier.

When pruning the tree in the first stage do not remove all the branches you don’t want, because the ones left will thicken too fast, especially at the top where you want thin branches. Whenever you prune cut cleanly so that the wound will heal over smoothly, and then seal with cut paste. If the branch is heavy, leave a stub and clean it up after it dries.

The tree should determine the style, mostly. If you are looking for a particular style, make sure the tree has the correct root formation and the branches are in the right place. That is, a slanted style should have opposing roots to balance the movement, and also a strong first branch.

Consider the origin of the tree. Trees that grow at a very high altitude will have a more difficult time growing at sea level. Trees that need the cold will not do as well where it does not get cold. Crab apples, for example, need a certain amount of chilling hours. If they don’t get it they will not blossom, and will therefore bear no fruit.

Consider if you grow the tree in traditional or contemporary style. The two are very different, but both are good if done correctly.

When buying developed trees the same things should be considered. Because someone else developed the tree does not mean that the faults are corrected.

And for all trees, look to see that they are healthy. Check the soil for drainage. Check for disease or infestation. There should be no dead wood below ground level. The tree should be firmly planted in the container, and it should have good color and sheen on the foliage.

(December 2002)

Tags: bonsai stock, John Boyce