It is recommended that about 300 g of nitrogen be applied to each tree about 3 weeks prior to grafting to stimulate growth and sap flow and improve the success of the grafting. Trees take about 10 years before they commence bearing and then take a further 10 years before they come to full bearing. To facilitate mechanical harvesting the lower branches of young trees should be removed to give a clear 1 to 1.2 m of stem above ground level. From time to time the centre of the tree and any cross-over branches should be removed to let light into the tree. Young carob trees are sensitive to wind and it is advisable to plant windbreaks prior to establishing an orchard.
Wind breaks are also of benefit to mature trees as they reduce damage to flowers and young pods.
To date, we have experienced no diseases or pest problems of any consequence. However, galahs have caused some problems by attacking new grafts. Carobs are well suited to mechanical harvesting, which is seen as a pre-requisite for production in Australia. The pods ripen fairly evenly and by growing varieties in which the pods abscise fairly easily harvesting can be done in a single pass. The transport of pods from the harvester to the shed requires special equipment as the harvester can pick about 15 tonnes per hour.