The perfect soil would be a sandy soil with 10 to 20 percent muck or peat to hold the water and provide nutrients. After watering and settling in the tree, one additional ounce of slow release palm fertilizer per three inches of trunk on the ground will get the tree off to a good start. Water-in a new palm as you plant it. Working in the soil around the root ball as it is watered-in with a shovel or rod is also very helpful. This is most important when planting large palms.
Sandy soil requires more watering to maintain the moisture.
Spread the fertilizer in the area one foot away from the trunk and out to the drip line of the tree. When possible, punch holes in the fertilized area to help with the surface absorption. Thoroughly soak the area after application with an open hose. During dry periods, soak the base of the tree with an open hose at least twice a month. Most palms shed their fronds naturally, but others drop the fronds after some time.