Hello, I'm new here. I've got no experience with bonsai.
I'd like to ask what should I do with this tree that I got in January. Should I cut or wire it? I'm afraid that I will harm the tree in some way. On the other hand, bonsai should be styled and I want it to look nice.
Can you recommend what should a complete beginner do with this tree at this point, after having it for 4 months?
I would also be grateful for recommendation for sources and books.
Thank you

or should I just let the tree be for some time- months, years... and style it when it is of certain age/size? On the website it said it is 6 or 8 years old, I don't remember exactly.

I know that attending a bonsai club would be the best option, but the nearest one is like 5-6hrs by car from where I live.
I've watched videos about bonsai care before I bought it and I've recently purchased this book www.amazon.com/The-Art-Bonsai-Creation-E...ui_d_detailpage_o02_ but I'm still afraid that I will do something wrong and the tree will die or be seriously harmed.

I'd recommend just learning to keep it alive for now. It's a small tree, and could still use some growth. Give it a full year, learn to keep it going for all your seasons, & keep studying. The tree won't be hurt.

As for clubs/books/videos:
Go ahead & get in touch with the club that's far away. They may know people closer to you that could lend a hand. I live closer to bonsai people who are not in the club than I am to the club itself.
John Naka has two excellent books called Bonsai Techniques I & II - pricey, but a used copy won't break the bank. Some things have changed since his time, but you can learn quite a bit. There's another that really helped me out in the beginning, but I passed it on. Give me a bit, and I'll get back with you.
Videos abound on the net, & there are good websites, including this one. Search your questions before asking, they may have already been answered before.

Take your time & be patient; the tree will outlive you if taken care of correctly. Learn your tree, and good luck!

Thank you, brkirkland22
I will let it be until next spring and study theory meantime
Thanks for book recommendation as well.
if anyone has any other suggestions or advice I'd be grateful

As a beginner myself, I have the Bonsai techniques I by John Naka. It's very in depth and I will grow into it as I mature in this hobby. But I have 2 other books that I enjoy for the simple guild lines and great photo instructions.
1- The Bonsai Workshop by Herb Gustafson
2- Bonsai Survival Manual: tree by tree guild to buying, maintaining, and problem solving
But hands on experience is by far the best for me. I'm about to move and there's a Bonsai club that meets every month. It will only be 15 minutes from my house!
I agree with brkirkland22... you'd be surprised at how many people there may be close to you. As you can tell, this hobby is not for the feint of heart.

Bonsajka wrote: Can you recommend what should a complete beginner do with this tree at this point, after having it for 4 months?
I would also be grateful for recommendation for sources and books.

Looks healthy, so: continue what you're doing

simplysaid wrote:
1- The Bonsai Workshop by Herb Gustafson

That's the one I was thinking of. Good pictures & explanations of cutting where, when, why & how. The 'why' was very helpful.

Some books say 'Cut here.'
This book says 'Cut here, because...'

Of the multiple books I acquired in the beginning, this gave me a very good start. Then John Naka's increased my depth of understanding. Seemed the majority of others were pretty bonsai pictures, some history lessons, and basic techniques. In any case, you're learning. Perfect!