How to Prep Your Show Tree - Kusamura Show Tree Checklist

Deadline to submit tree for display card: Friday, April 11, 2025
Deadline to bring your trees: Saturday 8-9AM, April 26, 2025   

Please don’t plan to bring after 9AM. Of course we will do everything we can to include your tree if it does not get there right on time. There should be a good excuse.

• Pick out your bonsai for the show as well as complementary items, remove heavy wiring and discretely wire your tree if needed.

• You can use suiseki or other small complementary items.  A large suiseki or kusamono should be displayed as the primary item.

• Write down the common and botanical name of your tree and provide to the show chairperson.

• Decide on stands for your tree and complementary items.  If you need to borrow a stand make arrangements early by reserving club stands or contacting other members.

• Collect small moss and lichen from areas such a sidewalks, rocks, and other trees.

• Hide distracting soil with a top dressing of small akadama, lava or low growing moss and lichen.

• Decide if you want a scroll.  Ensure the image fits the overall scene of your display. In recent bonsai design, scrolls have been discouraged, but if you have a three-point display with a scroll, do include.

• Clean the bonsai pos of hard water marks with a light oil such as walnut oil. Hard water marks might be dissolved with a cloth soaked in vinegar and left on the pot.  Don’t get vinegar on your roots. Remember to clean the bottom and the feet. All show trees must be in bonsai pots or on bonsai slabs, not in flower pots.

• Clean your stands with Pledge or a light oil.

• Gently water your show trees before the show.  Be careful water does not go onto the stand.