This section addresses further approaches that be applied with bonsai. They include specific techniques used in the development of an individual bonsai e.g. defoliation and planting on rock, as well as other styles involving the use of multiple small trees/bonsai, most notably ‘group’ or ‘forest plantings’ and ‘seikai’, the latter approach using the trees and rocks to create a miniature landscape, often in the form of a mountain scene.

In some instances, the extent to which the tree material used will require styling as will a standard bonsai although with smaller material as might be used with a seikai/landscape planting, the extent to which the much smaller trees need to be styled may not be as great; in these instances, it is a case of maintaining the basic shape of the tree(s).