Tree analysis is the close examination of the raw plant before shaping.

In order to be able to shape a blank that was collected as a yamadori or comes from a tree nursery into a bonsai, it is essential to carry out a thorough tree analysis. Of course, you have already checked the characteristics of the blank as a future bonsai before you collected or bought it. The first preliminary analysis is usually based on the trunk movement and branching; if you take a little more time, you will also look at the roots. The pre-selection of the raw plant is a very important factor and you should really take the time to check the selected plant for its suitability for bonsai.

Before shaping, analyze the nebari root base:

Before you start designing, it is very important to know the tree in its entirety, i.e. its weaknesses and its advantages. You always start the analysis from the bottom upwards in the same way as you design later, i.e. from the base of the root.

It has usually been some time since the tree was dug up or purchased from a nursery and therefore the root base is usually covered with soil. Therefore, first expose the root base, as this can very often be decisive for the later front side.

It is not always important to choose the most beautiful side of the root base for determining the front side; this should always be considered in connection with the stem movement.

Example: A moving trunk whose movement is pronounced to the left or right needs a root base that supports the tree in the movement in which the trunk leans and not a root base distributed equally in all directions, because in the wild a tree forms roots where it needs them, so you should also pay attention to a form-fitting root base when designing bonsai.

The same applies to a leaning form or a cascade. This requires a pronounced supporting root that prevents the tree from slipping or supports it.

In very few cases will you find a blank with a perfect root base, so it is all the more important to pay particular attention to the root base when selecting the blank. It will also be important for the later design that the root base matches the trunk movement.

The trunk:

Once the nabiaralysis (root approach) has been completed, the trunk movement now takes on significance for the future of the design. In the best case, the nebari coincide with the stem movement. If the nabari is of poor quality, it is important to pay attention to the trunk and the subsequent branch distribution.

The trunk dynamics should play an important role in the later design and can in most cases distract from the poorer nebari.

The branches:

With a deciduous tree, you can replace branches that you might need for a design but are unfortunately not available with Replace paint stripping. Therefore, you can also choose a front side that does not have an optimal knot arrangement. You can also cut back any branches that are too strong and do not fit the trunk proportions.

This is possible with most deciduous trees as heavy pruning often results in increased growth, even from the trunk or old wood area.

A conifer reacts quite differently. Cut branches cannot usually be replaced by new shoots. It is therefore much more important to include the branches and determine the branch distribution than with deciduous trees.

Jin and Shari:

Jin and shari areas can be used to create focal points that distract from the negative areas of the tree or give a trunk movement more dynamism. However, it is important to use such accents carefully, because a jin or shari in the wrong place can create exactly the opposite effect.

Here is an example of a yew tree, the Jin-Shari area has been brought into focus.

In conclusion, a precise tree analysis should always be a prerequisite for good bonsai design. Only if you know a bonsai candidate thoroughly, i.e. its positive and negative sides, will the design be successful.

That’s why you should take a lot of time to study the plant and only start when you are completely sure of yourself. Sometimes a sketch can also help to support the idea, but you should not commit yourself absolutely, because it is important for the design to focus on the health of the plant.

For good bonsai design in the future, it is important to make use of the characteristics of a tree and not to design against its natural habitat. A design that goes against the natural plants will always look unnatural. You should also be able to imagine the designed tree in its natural environment.