I spent 2 years building soil before I planted the first tree. The soil I was starting with was compacted over farmed soy and corn field.

Animals and insects have been a big challenge here. We have voles and wild pigs. I’m going to try a stinging nettle fence to discourage the swine. The voles evade the cats. They are a real problem.

I think each location has it's own unique set of challenges & opportunities. I'm in the subtropics so insects (and certain diseases/fungus) have been a big problem of mine too. I don't have voles here but I have a family of bandicoots that put holes in the ground everywhere. I don't grow many annuals any more, so they aren't too much of an issue. I'm re-establishing my veggie beds though, so that situation may not last. A permie friend suggested that I become comfortable that they're eating my lawn beetles & airrating my soil for me. A big part of permaculture is turning a problem into a benefit. I have thought of trapping & eating the bandicoots but I'm not that in need of food sources just yet. 😂 My general approach is to grow things that don't require as much attention. Things that have natural resistances to the local insects & fungi. If the plant can't handle the location, I try a different plant. I really don't want to be molly coddling plants that are unsuited to my location. Good luck 🧡🤙