Roots are very susceptible to exposure and should not be allowed to dry out during transplanting. Grafted trees should be planted with the union well above ground level and watered immediately. Since trees have a tendency to grow tall, young trees when about 75 cm tall, should be topped little by little to produce a few evenly spaced limbs, thus developing a strong, rounded symmetrical tree. Little pruning is required in bearing trees except to discourage leaders, to reduce lateral growth, to let in light, and to make cultural and harvesting operations more favorable. Pruning should be done toward end of winter after crop is harvested.
Macadamia grows best in soils with good supply of humus.
Farmyard manure may be added and green manure crops can be grown between trees in summer. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring just before trees make new growth and start flowering. Zinc deficiencies seem to be a problem with this tree, the symptoms being small, yellowish or slightly mottled leaves which are bunched together, crop retardation and poor shoot growth. However, spray is effective at any period of year if symptoms are obvious. Since root system is rather close to surface, shallow cultivation for weed control should be practiced.