I am new to the bonsai hobby I have recently collected a American Beech that I want to train for bonsai. I have read different stories about the tree I would like to know of the best way to train it for a future specimen I have it in the ground now for the winter but plan on putting it in a pot for the growing seaon any advice would be appreciated.
You may want to take a look at this to learn about Beech as bonsai. This may also interest you, even though it's aimed at the European Beech.
Can you post a photo of your beech? the attachment that natureman should cover all the basics. beware though, if you put the tree in to small a container to soon its a death sentence no matter how healthy the tree was prior!! so, use descretion and pot up in a container too big than you plan on using long term. study the root mass and dont clip back too many roots just too fit it in a "bonsai pot". there needs to be a balanced ratio of roots to foliage. i would suggest that you grow it in a mulched up bed for at least one or two seasons before potting it. that way you can see if the tree is going to respond well to training methods without constricting root development. this species likes damp soil but not wet or soggy soil by any means. good luck and happy growing!
