Hello. I recently received a bonsai tree as a gift and I'd like to train it in a certain way, if possible. I am completely new to bonsai and am reading a book on it as well as checking sources online.

When I got the tree, it was from a local nursery. Nearly all of the leaves fell off in the first couple days I had it, as it was stored out of sight for a few days to avoid ruining the surprise. Now, I have found a place inside that the tree seems to like and it is rapidly putting out new leaves (see attached picture).

My question: when should I feel safe in beginning to wire this tree? My goal would be, if possible, to have a strong, central trunk structure with little/no leaves branches until at least halfway up the tree. Then, have it trained to have a large grouping of branches and leaves at the upper portion of the tree. See the last two pictures, attached. I'm not sure if I should be wiring two or three of my tree branches/trunks together to try to form one larger trunk or if I need to prune back on branches to allow only one trunk to carry on. If pruning is the way, when would be the best time?

Thank you for any constructive advice. Cheers!

This is another photo of my tree. I tried to edit the original, but I got a 403 Forbidden error code.

Spend a few years just trying to get it to survive. If you make it, now you can strat looking into styling, wiering and prunning.

Hint: pomengranades needs cold dormancy.

I wire my pomegranate in fall as the leaves are turning for winter and starting to drop. And again when it is growing well in mid-spring and/or summer. So 2, 3 times a year I correct individual branches. I find them too brittle to wire in winter.

This is a mediteranean species which likes lots of light and really should get a few months of cool weather. Be carefull, although some pomes might take -10, -20c, others are only barely frost resistent, it seems.

Mind are all in an unheated shed when there is frost.

Thank you for the replies.
I was thinking it might be good to begin wiring in the next few weeks as the tree seems to be doing quite well. I don't know if I'm going to put it outside, ever. It may just be an indoors tree.

There is no such thing as an indoor tree.
Keep it indoor, and it will inevitably die, as the good climate for you is a bad climate for the plant.
The decision should be between keeping it outdoors all the time or move it to a shelter or a cold frame during winter.
“Indoor” is simply not an option.

This is not a perfectly healthy tree and it is far to young to wire. Such activity by a beginner may harm it. The tree needs a cold but frost free dormancy.

Bonsai is a marathon not a sprint. Take your time to get the tree healthy before first work.

Ok. Thank you.
Should I be looking to prune this tree at some point during the coming year or just leave it completely alone save for water and sun? I just haven't seen a lot of information about when exactly it's safe to begin on a tree like this. How do I judge that?

It is safe to prune the tree when you have learned how to take care of it and made it healthy and happiliy growing for a full growing season. Never prune a weak tree.

Design wise, it is better to let it grow free until trunk diameter is at least 10 % of the planned final hight.

Right now your concern is cold dormancy and good growing next summer.

Ok, thank you.
Are you recommending that I should put the tree outside now, in the US winter. Protecting from frost but letting it get cold.?