The most important factor for a healthy palm tree is good soil. The type of soil determines how much sand and compost is needed.The best contribution you can make to your palm tree’s soil is adding sand and Compost/topsoil.
Another important component of palm tree care is careful fertilization. Palm trees require specially formulated fertilizers that answer to very specific conditions. You should fertilize your palm two or three times a year.
Hardiness Zone Map
Dig the hole two to three times as wide as the root system. Palm trees thrive in well drained soil. Mix 1 part sand and 2 parts compost to back fill the hole. It is important to note, the hole needs to be just deep enough so that the tree is planted at the same depth at which it was grown. Do not bury the trunk. The base of the trunk should be at ground level. Backfill the hole with the compose soil and sand mixture. Tap the soil with your foot to remove any large air pockets that may exist. Now build a soil barrier around the circumference of your hole to form a dam that will return water. Finally, water the tree. Soak it. Adding a two or three inch layer of mulch around the tree is recommended.
For Spring Planting: Frequent watering is crucial for newly planted trees. Water your tree daily or every other day for the first two weeks. Over the course of a month or two, taper off watering to twice a week as the tree establishes itself. It is very important not to allow the soil to dry out with your newly planted tree. After a few months, the tree will acclimate and routine watering will not be so critical for its survival. As for how often to water after this point, will depend on the climate, the seasons, and the frequency of rainfall. In most cases, a good soaking two or three times a week in the summer months and decreasing to once a week in the colder season should be adequate.
For Fall Planting: Soak the tree at the time of planting, then again once a week for two or three weeks. The trees do not require much water throughout the winter months, therefore, to water every couple of weeks will be adequate until spring. Then increase your frequency to once a week, then twice a week in the summer.