Our Eucalyptus erythrocorys receive no fertiliser, just the occasional handful of manure. The soil is alkaline, similar to what you describe, Trevor, but we did improve it when we planted them originally. We water them by drip irrigation once a week from May to September, as we don't normally get any rain during the warmer 6 months of the year. Do your think we should stop or drastically reduce this, considering the size of the trees? By the way, the growing tips look green and healthy and the trees have flowered and set seed.