I recently acquired a Sabal Minor and I would like to plant it outside in the ground soon (zone 8) but I'm worried about the plant a bit, as I've noticed that in the pot that it's in now, it looks a bit lopsided. It's tilted to the left.

Also, in the middle of the pot, there seems to be a hard mound that I've tapped a bit with a finger and it seems very hard and doesn't absorb water as well as the soil along the perimeter of the pot. Does anyone know why this is? I'm too afraid to scrape that spot to see what's under it. I don't want to damage the plant. :o(

Since the plant is lopsided in the pot, how can I plant it to make sure that the trunk and the fronds themselves are straight? I don't want it to be lopsided in the ground. Especially if I'm lucky enough to have one that will grow a tiny trunk. Also, when is the best time to plant this Sabal Minor outside? Please help and thanks GW!