As long as the trees stay healthy and vigorous, there's no reason not to leave a fruit or two on. It's even better to remove them all, but I confess, I have never been able to do it, myself.

Kevin : )

It depends on where your tree came from.. if it came as a bare root imported from out of State they can take up to 24 months to fully acclimate to our soils and climate (if they ever do).
I'd strongly suggest removing the fruits the first season and do a "Pre-Bud" prune also.. the first summer I'd also strongly suggest a good soaking of "Anti-Stress 550"

My grandfather used to say every one up pull off the first year will give you 3 more next year. I have always practiced this. Jewish law is more strict. It requires that you take no "benefit" or harvest or fruit for 3 years, then the 4th year the fruit is "for the Lord" For my date palms I have followed that time table and for others, I start harvest the 3rd year. You will not regret giving the tree time to grow strong before asking it to bear fruit.
Arthur the date palm guy

my trees are in big pots so I dont think they will need to adjust to our soils since I used potting soil and wood chips but I don't know if they came from out of state.
What is the anti strees 550 for?

I think I will thin the trees, I can wait.
thanks for commenting.