Large roots in particular must be removed gradually, in stages, to allow new feeder roots to form and take over supply needs. During training, wire and other appliances are used sparingly and as unobtrusively as possible, allowing for pleasant viewing even while the tree is being trained. Appliances are left in place only long enough to accomplish their purpose and are removed before scaring or other damage occurs. Shaping takes place in stages with consideration given to the maturity of the tree. A young tree or branch has the suppleness of youth.
More patience is required to bend a mature branch.
If one is too aggressive, an important branch can be damaged or lost causing general loss of balance or form. The nature of the tree will dictate its needs in terms of environment and nutrition. The master knows that the pine likes good drainage provided by sand but the bald-cypress will flourish in bog. He knows that a quince can stand freezing temperatures that would kill a black-olive. A feeding schedule is designed for each tree individually.