AusBonsai

Hi
This is my first post here so hopefully someone can help me.
I have been lurking on here reading as much as i can and this site has been very helpful
but this is my first bonsai and not sure where to go from here.

I bought this tree from bunnings about 3 years ago and planted it into this pot and this is how it has grown.I have repotted it once
but now i think i need some advice on how to shape it further.The photos are not very good as there is a lot of leaves at the moment.
I cant seen to get the base of the tree to thicken, it just stays that shape.

I would appreciate any advice on how to prune the tree to start shaping it for the future.

Hi daveh99 , mate if it was mine i would simply tip prune every shoot and feed it well. This will stimulate back budding at the leaves and also lower down the branches . Some might suggest to cut it back hard and regrow , to me that doesn't make sense as most regrow exactly what they cut off .

After it sprouts in the lower section allow them to grow a few leaves and tip prune again . The lowest shoot/branch on the base could be used as a sacrifice branch , leave it to grow unhindered for a couple of seasons then remove it after it fattens the base to your desire .With the new shoots and branches all over the frame you have you will have more material to work with . Easy does it but do it

You could wire the tree into a basic shape choosing a leader and wiring the side branches then allowing the process above to take place . Another repot wouldn't go astray either , bigger pot , more growth possibilties .

Cheers Alpineart

Also your location is important. In addition to alpines advice (which I think he's nailed) make sure it's well fed and "seasol/(or product of choice) before and after any work. I nice big handful or two of dynamic lifter.