There are, however, five styles that seem to be agreed upon basic or fundamental designs. For a tree to be a fomral upright, it must have a very straight trunk and a very balanced distribution of branches. The goal is to develop a sense of balance, but not strict symmetry. The first branch should be the most developed and should be positioned roughly a third the height of the tree. This style is best suited to conifers.
Informal uprights are one of the most common styles.
This is the most basic design in that it follows the natural structure of the tree's trunk. The goal is to develop a single line of the trunk, reaching from the roots to the apex while producing a natural structure of branches and foliage. Again, the branching starts about a third of the way up, and there should be little or no empty spaces. Most deciduous trees will be best suited to informal upright styles. A Shakan bonsai will have a very distinctive slant, often time balanced out by very strong rootage on the opposite side of the trunk.