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In a full-sized tree the relation between the thickness of the trunk and the tree’s height could be 1:30 or 1:40, perhaps more. However, in a bonsai these proportions would make the trunk appear unbelievably feeble. A proportion of 1:10 is the maximum allowable in most cases. Nowadays, the trend is toward an even tighter proportion of 1:4, or even less. A heavy trunk not only carries the implication of great age but permits the formation of interestingly textured, mature bark.

The proportional relationship between the space below the lowest branch and the total height of the tree is also important. The lowest branch should be between a quarter and one-third of the total height. A notable exception to this principle is the Literati Style, which depicts a lone conifer on a mountainside, battling on bravely after all its neighbours have succumbed to the elements.

The proportion of the foliage will always be subject to compromise, because, although it will become smaller with trimming, it will always seem oversized. A heavy trunk will appear to balance the foliage, but choice of species is the key. Types with naturally large leaves should either be avoided or grown as larger bonsai. Only species with tiny leaves can be grown as small bonsai. The miniature bonsai, mame (miniature) or shohin (small), small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, are created from species with small leaves. In cases where larger-leaved species are used, a leaf stalk represents a branch and a leaf, a mass of foliage.

Tiny leaves and small red fruit make Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) ideal for the little shohin or mame styles.

These trees resemble a template for bonsai in the Group Style: demonstrating subgroups, variations in trunk girth and depth of perspective.