AusBonsai

I was wondering if anyone else spends any time cleaning their trees. When I get the chance I scrub my trees down (trunk and branches) with a soft brush like a used toothbrush and warm soapy water. This procedure brings out the colour in the bark and is also useful for dealing with some pests. The other advantage of doing this is with deciduous trees it is said to make it easier for the tree to back bud.
Craig

Yes its very good for promoting back budding in azaleas too

Goodness! Guys who endorse cleaning? Who has the time? Not me Not even for house cleaning (do have a cleaning lady, though!)

Glenda

only when they are going on show

Interesting topic. I was watching Graham Potters' videos last night thanks Adam (laza32) and he covers a fair bit on tree cleaning.

Anybody have a before after shot to share?

Hi Neal azalea is one of those species which has really beautiful bark and that shows up with a scrub, you need to use a very soft brush with them as the bark is super soft.
Hi Bodhi, The necessity to clean very much depends on your location you and I both live in areas with very clean fresh air, when I was living in footscray scrubbing was a once in 6 month job or the trees got filthy so quickly.
Hi Glenda In japan cleaning trees is just part of the bonsai routine, I suspect its mostly a job for the apprentices.
Hi Anja, give it a go and see the difference in the bark colour.
Craig

G,day I do to trees that can be done if I tried on my Paperbarks I would ruin the effect, of that beautiful bark.
The other trees in my collection some of the Melaleucas do get the treatment, for the reasons that Craig has put forward.

Cheers Pup