Maintaining Camellia is a vigorous state requires attention to a number of factors. Climatic stress, for example, can be minimized by regulating the shade according to the season and by preservation of soil moisture in dry season by mulching. Cultural operations munt be controlled so as to minimize damage to bushes. The introduction of mechanical pluckers in Japan has led to a significant increase in the incidence of grey blight. This is a consequence of the higher level of leaf damage leading to greater susceptibility to invasion by Pestalotia theae. Pruning can also create entry points for invasive pathogens and pruning cuts should be covered with a suitable fungicidal wound dressing. It is good management to use the regular maintenance pruning as an opportunity to examine the bush and to remove all dead, diseased and damaged wood.