Tree Shaping

Tree Shaping is done by changing the shape of the living tree. These shaped trees can be artistic, useful or both. There are various methods to achieving a shaped tree. Some of the techniques used are the same as the ones used in other horticultural and agricultural fields, such as topiary, pleaching, bonsai and espalier.

History

The idea of growing trees for useful items is not new. This art-form has very few practitioners through out history. Partly this is due to the length of time it takes to master this art-form and also to industrial production that gives people speedy and predictable results. Which has meant the techniques in tree shaping for practical or artistic uses has largely been unexplored.

The Dynatic Egyptians' stools and Greek Klismos' chairs had curved shapes that are believed to have been achieved by training trees to shape while alive.