Advice on planting?

[maskedmole]

I'm needing to transplant a windmill palm tree either to my front or back yard. My front yard is flatter but has a retaining wall in the way. The backyard is pretty heavily sloped so I'm not sure about it. I have a few palms I planted back there but I'm not sure how they'll do. If I plant on the slope, will the palm eventually fall over or have a lot of dirt wash away in the rain? And if I plant on top of the retaining wall, will it push on the wall causing it to lean? Or if the wall ever fails, will it cause the palm tree to fall down with it? How far from the retaining wall should I plant or can I plant right next to it? Also, how harsh would it be to move it from shade to sun?

Edited June 17, 2022 by maskedmole

[Allen]

2 hours ago, maskedmole said:

I'm needing to transplant a windmill palm tree either to my front or back yard. My front yard is flatter but has a retaining wall in the way. The backyard is pretty heavily sloped so I'm not sure about it. I have a few palms I planted back there but I'm not sure how they'll do. If I plant on the slope, will the palm eventually fall over or have a lot of dirt wash away in the rain? And if I plant on top of the retaining wall, will it push on the wall causing it to lean? Or if the wall ever fails, will it cause the palm tree to fall down with it? How far from the retaining wall should I plant or can I plant right next to it? Also, how harsh would it be to move it from shade to sun?

Lots of questions!

Planting on a slope - they grow naturally on a slope.  They won't fall over.  Hopefully you have grass or vegetation to hold the slope in place?

Planting near a retaining wall - Plant about 2 feet away to give roots enough room.  Palms won't push over a wall.  If wall fails I imagine the slope area will be in danger for sure.

Moving shade to sun should not be a problem.  Might turn a few fronds a bit till it adjusts

[D Palm]

Is the soil the type of clay that turns into a hard brick when dry? If so you may want to backfill the hole with potting soil or keep it moist until it settles in. Also, exposed clay can runoff during heavy rains…mulch should help prevent it. Do not put the mulch up against the trunk.

how big is the palm?