JUDGING CRITERIA - There are several key aspects which are considered in judging a bonsai in bonsai competitions.  The following list describes the key areas  which are usually individually weighted in scoring a tree, although at the end of the day significant personal interpretation and judgement is applied when considering these aspects:

- Overall artistic effect

- Trunk base and root spread

- Trunk structure, taper and bark

- Precision of pruning, wiring and pot position

- Presentation and health of the tree and any underplanting or moss.

- Miniaturisation of leaves