Updated 5/01/02

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Informal Upright

This style is the icon for the west when they think of Bonsai. In many ways, the informal upright has the most advantages and freedom of all the styles. The informal upright allows the individual to shape the tree to personal preference while harnessing the personality of the tree.
There are no strong rules when developing an informal upright only to, as with all Bonsais, keep the natural look of the tree. As most tree's grow, naturally, to informal design in nature, this allows the tree to be a real expression of the beauty nature.

Like formal uprights, one will make tip pruning (as shown on the formal upright page) a regular maintenance move to ensure the miniature size of the tree.

As with any Bonsai, an informal is to be a work of art, hence must be designed to be shown. For that reason, some thought must go into the presentation. This usually includes one side (at least) fairly clear to show the trunk, which all care has been made to ensure there are little amounts of scars. I have however, after saying that, seen some trees which have a nook, left from a branch that was once removed, exposed and have found them to be fairly attractive as many tree's around us in society have gained at least a few over the years, thus a nook may actually help the natural feel- again if the species is suited.

Good trees to use for informal upright work:

*Any pine
*Conifers
*Cypress
*Elms
*Eucalypts
*Jacarandas
*Many fruit tree's (ie. Apple, Peach, Orange)