For what it's worth, you can also use tree calipers. I got mine a long time
ago from A.M. Leonard. They're aluminum and spread to about 8-10 inches which will
work for most of our bonsai.
As mentioned by Colin, you can also measure the circumference and divide by
pi.
Alan Walker, Lake Charles, LA, USA
http://LCBSBonsai.org http://bonsai-bci.com
================================
How does one measure trunk size/width, especially when there is nebari, or a
slanted trunk?
Thanks and regards
ss
====
SS
_I_ measure the width, which is called the caliper, at the thickest part
ABOVE the nebari. I realize that for many many bonsai this somewhat
ambiguous. If I need to be really accurate, I state the distance above some
fixed reference at which the measurement is taken, such as the rim of the
pot or the soil line, or some artifact on the trunk. This measurement gives
the most meaningful 'size'. In general, I am looking for the diameter at
the point at which it will stay nearly the same for some distance. That
puts it above the buttress.

On ebay you are likely to see most anything, including circumference, which
almost totally meaningless, or the width of the nebari which might be
interesting, but of little value in judging the trunk.
Brent in Northern California
Evergreen Gardenworks

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