Care in the first three years

In the first three years, the main jobs are keeping the host alive and in check, watering in dry seasons, and protecting the young tree from grazing, frost, fire and theft.

Weeding. ICRAF advises against clean-weeding all round a sandalwood seedling, because its roots also connect with nearby weeds. Remove only tall, smothering weeds and dry grass (practical guidance).

Frost. Where winters bring frost, cover the young plant loosely with jute or straw on nights when IMD warns of ground frost or a cold wave, and uncover it in the morning (practical guidance). Give no fertiliser without advice from your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).

Pests and diseases. The most serious disease is spike disease: ICFRE-IWST describes new leaves becoming smaller, narrower and fewer each year until the shoots look like spikes, and the plant dying in about 2 to 3 years. It is spread by insects and has no proven remedy. If you see these signs, take clear photos or a sample to your local KVK or forest department, and do not spray anything without their advice.

Theft. The ICFRE article warns that sandalwood is highly prone to theft from about 4–5 years after planting until it matures at about 14–15 years, so plan fencing and watch from the start.

Patience. In a Gujarat case study in ICFRE-IWST's Wood is Good, farm trees reached an average girth of 25–30 cm and about 5 m in height after 10 years.