Bonsai Value when Buying a Tree [Jonas Dupuich]
How to find value in your bonsai purchase
Jonas Dupuich critique for buying trees take away
By the base of the tree — Strong trunks with flawed branches often hold incredible long-term value. Branches can be rebuilt, but trunks are forever.
The good two great ratio — Think in percentages. A tree with 60% good foliage and 40% great deadwood might flip to 40/60 simply by reducing foliage, Instant instantly raising the impact and value.
Shop the pot — Don’t ignore the container. A $500 tree in a $350 rare pot is a deal many overlook. Sometimes the pot alone justifies the purchase.
Ask questions — Sellers may share history, training, or hidden details that transform a maybe into a must have even Masters benefit from more knowledge.
Bonsai value isn’t only about what you see at first glance—it’s about understanding potential, context, and details that others might miss.
What will I be looking for?
That’s always a good question. Like just about everyone, I’ll cruise the aisles in the vendors’ area to see if anything catches my attention. The better question is what happens when I find trees that I like.
Typically these trees will need some work.
A few might be ready for exhibition, but even show ready trees can improve with time. How then to select trees to take home? When I’m level-headed about it, I ask myself some of the following questions before deciding.
Am I interested in addressing this tree’s problems?
Do I have the patience to invest the time to get the tree healthy, graft and then develop new branches? If I think the effort is worth it, it might be a great purchase.
Do I see myself planting the tree in a large pot or in the ground and letting it grow for several years to address problems with the curves/scars/taper on the trunk? If it’s a variety that’s hard to come by, the answer might be yes.