1) Transplanting of small young palm trees that have yet to get a mature trunk should not always be attempted. They do not have roots mature enough to support the root ball.  You should determine if the tree has the proper caliper according to it's growth rate. Sometimes the best way is to see wood starting to form, this will always guarantee a mature tree. Some palms require that you root prune them and wait 4 to 6 weeks before moving and others as long as 3 to 4 months. Always keep roots moist until the transplanting day comes to keep them from drying out.

  2) The day you decide to move your tree you must decide just how far away from the base of the tree you will cut the roots. A good way is for every inch of trunk diameter cut 4" to 6" from the root ball and make sure you use a sharp heavy spade shovel not a pick or axe that may tear up the roots and cause great harm to the tree. These spade shovels are generally 15 to 20 pounds and coast any where from $40 to $65. If you realize that the soil is not holding together as you are digging around the root ball then you should stop immediately and determine your problem or consult with a professional in this field. Sometimes the soil is just too dry and will not hold for a good transplant.

 3) When you have finally moved your tree some times you might consider a root stimulant to reverse the shock effect, depending on the type of tree. Remember to water every day for the first 2 weeks and every other day for the next 2 weeks. You should fertilize your tree lightly about 5 weeks after moving your tree and again in 60 more days.