A tree perc is a percolator made of multiple vertical glass tubes (arms) with slits at the bottom, arranged like the branches of a tree, that split your smoke across many streams of bubbles for smooth, well-cooled hits. More arms mean more diffusion. Below we explain how it works, how it stacks up against other percs, and which Encore bongs come with one.
What is a tree perc?
A tree perc is a cluster of slitted vertical rods connected to a central hub above the water. As you inhale, smoke is pushed down each arm and out through the slits, creating many separate streams of bubbles at once. That wide spread of bubbles is what cools and filters the smoke. Tree percs usually run 4 to 12 arms — the more arms (and slits), the finer the diffusion. It's one of the classic bong percolator types and a longtime favorite for smooth, flavorful sessions.
How a tree perc works
The magic is in the surface area. By dividing one airflow into many slitted arms, a tree perc maximizes contact between smoke and water, stripping heat and harshness before the hit reaches you. The result is a noticeably cooler, smoother pull with great flavor. The trade-off: those thin arms can be a little more fragile and a bit harder to clean than a simple perc — but the smoothness is worth it for most smokers.
Tree perc vs matrix perc
| Feature | Tree perc | Matrix perc |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Multiple slitted vertical arms | Grid of holes over a cylinder |
| Diffusion | Strong (scales with arm count) | Maximum (densest) |
| Drag | Low to moderate | More resistance |
| Durability | Thin arms, handle with care | Sturdier one-piece |
A matrix perc filters the most but pulls firmer; a tree gives you smooth, airy hits with an easy draw. Prefer a single simple disc? Compare a showerhead perc or read honeycomb vs tree perc.
Is a tree perc worth it?
- Choose a tree perc if you want smooth, cool, airy hits with lots of visible bubble action and an easy pull.
- Go for more arms if you prioritize maximum smoothness and don't mind slightly more careful cleaning.
Either way, percolators are worth it for the comfort they add to every session.
Which Encore tree perc bong should you buy?
- Want a smooth everyday beaker? The 12" Double Chamber Tree Perc Beaker Bong pairs a tree perc with a second chamber for extra-smooth, layered hits.
- Want a heavy statement piece? The 16" Tree Mega Pounder Beaker Bong combines oversized volume and thick pounder glass with tree diffusion.
Browse them all in the percolator bongs collection and the full glass bongs collection.
Buying tips
- Add an ash catcher to keep the delicate arms cleaner for longer, shop ash catchers.
- Clean it gently and regularly so every slit keeps diffusing, see how to clean a bong the right way.
- Set the water right, just cover the arm slits for smooth, splash-free hits.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tree perc?
A tree perc is a percolator built from multiple vertical slitted arms arranged like tree branches. Smoke is forced out through the slits in each arm, splitting into many streams of bubbles that cool and filter the smoke for a smooth hit.
How does a tree perc work?
It divides one airflow across several slitted arms, so the smoke makes contact with the water in many places at once. That large surface area strips heat and harshness, giving you a cooler, smoother pull with good flavor.
Is a tree perc better than a matrix perc?
Neither is universally better. A matrix perc filters more heavily but adds drag; a tree perc gives smooth, airy hits with an easier draw. A tree's thin arms need slightly more careful handling and cleaning. Many smokers prefer a tree for everyday comfort.
Are tree percs hard to clean?
They take a little more care than a simple disc perc because resin can build in the arm slits. A regular alcohol-and-salt rinse, swirled gently, keeps a tree perc diffusing well and prevents clogs.
How many arms should a tree perc have?
More arms mean finer diffusion and smoother hits, but also more slits to clean. Four to eight arms is a great balance for everyday use; heavier setups may run ten or twelve for maximum smoothness.
Shop smooth tree perc glass
Cool, airy, smooth hits with a satisfying spread of bubbles — that's the tree perc. Shop Encore percolator bongs now, or browse the full glass bongs collection to find your perfect perc.
Want a tree perc bong? Check out the 12" Double Chamber Tree Perc Beaker ($49.95).
