C. Branches
1. First branch should be positioned above the base of the
tree at a point 1/3 to 1/2 the height of the trunk,
depending on the style and slant of the branches.
2. First branch should be the longest and the thickest.
3. Second branch should be shorter than the first, higher
and on the opposite side of the tree.
4. Space between successive branches should be smaller
toward the apex to give the illusion of great height.
5. No branch should be directly above another.
6. Placement and spacing of branches is more important
than in most other styles of bonsai. The sparseness of
the branches and the high visibility of the trunk
emphasize the branch-trunk junctures.
7. Branches should be straight, not serpentine, to
complement the straight trunk.
8. Front branches are necessary for conifers, but must be
short.
9. Each branch should be a different length, usually
getting shorter as they get closer to the top.
10. Branches should be angled downward with the tip
flaring slightly upward.
11. Outline of the tree should be an asymmetrical triangle.
12. Apex may be rounded or pointed, live or dead wood.