The objective in planting a palm or any other plant is to provide it the best chance for having a vigorous and healthy growth cycle quickly. Sulking is one of the more common occurrences in palms if planted improperly and can last for a year or more. Proper hole preparation is a must, especially in poor soils, as pictured at left. The depth of the hole is approximately 50% greater then the pot and the diameter is 100% larger.

The soil mix you use to fill with is very important, but many types will do well. The most important feature is drainage. Your planting soil must have good drainage. Shown at the left is a mixture of peat, perlite, sand and the soil that came out of the hole. Bark can also be used with your soil as it will help greatly with drainage.

Check the size before putting the potted palm in the hole. Begin by placing planting mix in the hole until the proper level is obtained. Setting will occur so compact the soil somewhat as it's filled. The base of the palm should never be below dirt level. It's best if the base has a slight crown as opposed to being planted low.

Notice the amount of soil that was added to the hole. At this point we also added fertilizer tables (10) approximately 4-6 inches below the surface shown. The tablets push down into the soil easily. Make sure that the roots are not directly touching any fertilizer.

Fill the hole with the rest of your soil mix and compact the soil around your tree. Notice how the base of the Foxtail Palm is slightly above the ground level. Additional fertilizer tablets (6) have been placed around the tree to a depth of 3-4 inches. Fill the base with water a couple of times. Slow release palm fertilizer granules can be used instead of tablets. Make sure the roots of your palm tree are not in direct contact with the fertilizer.