What should be done to the soil after transplanting palms for proper settling?

A final soaking is essential after transplanting palms to ensure proper settling of the soil around the root system. When palms are moved from one location to another, the disturbance can create air pockets in the soil. These air pockets can hinder water absorption and subsequently affect the plant’s ability to establish itself in its new environment.

Soaking the soil thoroughly helps eliminate any trapped air and promotes better contact between the roots and the surrounding soil. It allows the soil to settle evenly around the roots, which is crucial for ensuring that the palms can access moisture and nutrients effectively. This practice also encourages deeper root growth as the roots seek out the water in the moist, well-settled soil.

In contrast, a quick watering may not be sufficient to penetrate deeply into the soil or remove air pockets fully, and covering the soil with plastic could hinder water infiltration and lead to poor soil aeration. Adding fertilizer immediately after transplanting is generally unnecessary and can sometimes be harmful since the roots are already stressed from the transplanting process and may not yet be ready to absorb additional nutrients effectively.