Trees with more than one trunk

The recent Redwood Empire Bonsai Society’s Annual Show boasted a healthy complement of multi-trunk and grove bonsai. Special considerations come into play when multiple trunks are present – should the trunks point the same way, should some be bigger than others, and how can balance be maintained between trunks? The more trunks that are present, the more complex the questions. Of groves we might ask, how great can the difference be between trunks, how important is the styling of individual trees, and where does the largest tree belong? When done well, bonsai with more than one trunk are a treat to behold. Here are some of the standouts from REBS’ 29th Annual Show.

Coast Redwood

Bartlett Pear – in training since 1983

Olive ‘Skylark’ – in training since 1995

Crape Myrtle – about 92 years old

San Jose juniper – in training since 2000; custom stand by David Knittle

Cork Elm – in training since 2005

Yaupon holly – about 52 years old

Japanese maple grove – about 40 years in training

Japanese maple grove