I've never tried to create/maintain a Bonsai tree. I have an apple tree that is about 8 inches tall. Can I make a bonsai out of it? Of course I'd have to do research on Bonsai. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

If you want it to fruit, which appears to be possible, it would probably have to be an outdoor tree since they (if I recall) need frost at some point.

What I discovered, and the best advice I can give to budding artists, is to learn first about soils. Close on the heals of an understanding of how soils work, you'll need to understand plant physiology to at least the degree that allows you to keep your plants alive for the long term. Once you have these two pieces of the puzzle, the rest comes easier.

Fortunately, the most important part is the easiest part - soils and how they work - how to build a good soil for your trees. I can help with that by linking you to another thread here on GW that explains all the basics if you're interested; and you can get the rest of your questions answered here.

The physiology part, how plants work, is an undertaking you'll probably need to go mainly alone. You can usually get individual questions answered here, but the big picture requires a deeper understanding of how plants work if you really are determined to progress in the art.

I've seen a LOT of new faces come to bonsai, and about as many walk away; being enamoured of the little trees the draw; frustration the reason for the exodus. Bonsai on a revolving door policy, buying new plants to replace the still new but dead plants, isn't rewarding to many. It's only when your level of proficiency allows you to develop a treelationship that you reap the full rewards of being involved. Like a fire though, first the spark has to be lit. Let's hope that with a little fanning by supportive people, that you'll warm to the pleasant task ahead of you.

Al