Any rules for multi trunk trees?

So my mom let me dig up some of her azaleas, I kept all the trunks intact in case I want to air layer some in the future. But if I dont, these will be multi trunk trees. So are there any rules or things to avoid on these like avoiding even numbers or a certain number, etc. Here is one example, they are pretty nice

If you read Deborah Koreshoff or John Naka, you will have all the rules. To begin with:
Each trunk should be a different thickness & different height.
No crossing trunks or branches.
Odd number of trunks is better.
The trunks should more or less grow in the same direction.
Bottom line, it should be convincing & not look contrived.
Some of the members will argue furiously, but in the long run, follow the rules first; later on you will learn when you can break them.
Iris

^ Thank you for your reply. Looks like staying with the criteria you just mentioned will be somewhat of a challenge with these azaleas.

I wouldn't worry too much about rules, everyone of them can be broken. The only rule I'd suggest is that the be more than one trunk. From there let your imagination go to try to create the image of something, a tree, or what ever else you feel like conveying.

If you have more than one tree, consider chopping one short and growing a shohin from it.

Contact the Long Island Bonsai Society for hands-on help.
phone: 516.593.1855 | email: bonsai@longislandbonsai.org
Iris

keep in mind that this subject (unlike pines) is NOT as strong in it's tops, so when it regenerates be sure and go easy on that area, with any future pruning.