AusBonsai

Just wondering if someone could explain some ideas of what a tripple trunk bonsai should look like...ie rules of this style..

In some other media searches ive found that its also known as a clump...is this true? i am referring to a tree that has a main trunk then that has 3 very distinctive trunks arrising from the main trunk quite low rather then one trunk that raises to a central apex like a upright etc...hope this make sense

Been trying to get hold of some pictures that have a front and side view of a tree (looking for ideas) but had no luck so if you have some please feel free to post them up

Hi krittas, what type of tree are you thinking about? i post a couple of trees along the lines your thinking
These trees are NOT mine, just pics i've kept along the way

Hi Krittas

My idea of triple trunk, based on what I was taught, is three trunks arising from one base/root system. These should all ideally have a connection to the root system and be of different size, ie. height and thickness. The branching will come from all trunks radially in that none would grow in the middle and none should cross the front of another trunk. These would be some of the rules and as all are, they are often adapted (broken) to suit the tree or owner.

There is twin trunk, triple trunk and then clump to my knowledge, so clump would be more than 3. Generally starting at 5.

Best Regards

Tony

If you really need to define it I'd say Triple trunk would be a subset of Clump style. Obviously triple can only have 3 trunks while clump can have many.

Important guidelines: 3 trunks divide near the base. Each trunk a different height. Tallest trunk is the thickest, shortest is thinnest.
Less important considerations: Lowest branch is usually first branch of the smaller trunk. Branches will usually follow the same guidelines as single trunk tree ie lowest branch to one side and forward, next branch from back or opposite side but a bit higher but in triple the branches come from all the trunks (that's not really clear so eg. Lowest branch from smaller trunk on right side. 2nd branch from a bit higher on left trunk. 3rd branch from back of centre trunk 4th branch from right trunk, etc. note the apex of one or both of the smaller trunks may fill the function of a 'branch' as it will lean out away from the main trunk.
Here's a couple of mine that will probably show better what I mean. You can see what I mean about the apex of the left trunk taking the place of a branch in the second pic. I am considering taking the top off the smaller trunk to leave a better negative space between it and the branches above from the main trunk.