Thanks for the response. Yep, I have been watching those spears to make sure they don't turn brown.

It could take up to a year to see growth.

It's likely putting all its energy into its roots. Keep giving it slot of water while the weather is still warm. Depending on where you are in NC, you might want to offer the crown a little winter protection on the coldest nights and to keep out any winter precipitation if you get any there. It should be fine.

Thanks for all replies. What's the crown of the palm tree?

Um... The leaves/fronds.

I would definitely protect it this winter no matter where you are in NC since the palm is weakened by being field dug and being hurricane cut, plus like the others I agree it was planted a bit late in the season. I would suggest using small incandescent xmas lights (no LEDs they don't give off heat) wrapped around the crown area and then covered with frost cloth to allow the crown of the palm to breath, but keep out moisture from freezing rain or snow.

Be careful if you do decide to protect it if you are in Z8, as it would be pretty easy to cook a wrapped plant during one of the freak 80 degree Feb warms ups that can happen. Climbing up there to wrap/unwrap the crown could get old fast. Did it come with a 1 year replacement (I know many of the places around here do that for installed sabals)? If it did, you might just let it tough it out this winter, and if it is dead by April get a new one?

I just transplanted a 12 foot Sabal. It's been 7 months and nothing has happened. It's actually started turning yellow? Have you had any luck with yours?

Here is some photos of what mine is doing.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/4638679/is-my-sabal-palmetto-transplant-dead