Bonsai is an art with paradox at it’s core: The best bonsai are an intersection of heaven and earth in one container, the picture of truth and beauty yet consciously contrived, intricately sculptured, yet designed never to reveal the touch of the human hand.

The practice of bonsai can become extremely sophisticated. Here are four  tips to make the first step of the journey a simple one.

1. Choose a species of tree indigenous to your climate.

Even if you’ll be raising your tree indoors, you’ll make things that much easier for yourself by choosing a tree that responds well to the natural weather. You’ll also be able to see examples by visiting local nurseries or working with landscapers.

2. Choose a simpler style.

The single trunk bonsai has five basic styles. The informal upright looks the way it sounds and is probably the easiest to start with. Once you’re comfortable with the basics of growing and caring for a miniature, you can advance to the formal upright and up through the cascade – a demanding style to execute.

3. Choose a tree species that favors the informal upright style.

You’ll make easier progress by beginning with an upright tree. The common choices for beginner include the Cotoneaster, Dwarf Pomegranate, the Firethorn, and perhaps the most popular bonsai, the Juniper. Then move on to display trees like the cork firs, or maples for beautiful leaf patterns.

4. Try a fruit tree to demonstrate your skill.

Fruit trees, because they flower, are quite decorative. And their naturally rough bark give them an aged look even when they’re young. The classic tactic is to leave a single perfect fruit on the tree to prove that it is indeed a fruit tree.

Different trees reward different levels of skill. See Michael Dale’s terrific  guide to bonsai care for expert tips to take you to the next level, no matter what level your at today.

Here are the top three mistakes we see:

1. Pruning the tree at the wrong time of year.

Your bonsai is putting on new growth in the spring, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time to cut. In the summer, your tree will be strong and you’ll be able to cut up to 80% of the larger leaves. And the fall is the time to take off old growth. If you’re not sure of the season to trim yours, ask an arborist or look online. Remember, whatever rule applies to the full-sized tree will also apply to your miniature tree.

2. Using the wrong the tools.

New enthusiasts often rush out to buy tools. That’s not necessarily your best bet. Start trimming your tree with your fingers. Remove new growth by twisting it between your thumb and forefinger like a cue tip. That will give your tree a more natural look and you’ll be less likely to hurt the bark. Focus on making the trunk look natural and mature. You can prune deciduous bonsai with a pair of scissors.

3. Forgetting half the tree.

It’s easy to forget that the roots and the foliage are part of the same system. So we trim the branches and forget the roots. Root pruning allows the tree to change it’s root system. Even though your bonsai is small, it suffers from overcrowding in the pot. Pruning the roots will help it grow new roots that absorb nutrients better.

Bonsai doesn’t have to be hard. Get your convenient step-by-step guide to caring for a bonsai and making it a masterpiece.