Encourage the development of deep, wide, symmetrical root plates

Roots will not cross deep plough furrows. This results in restricted root plates.
Patch scarifying, mounding or complete cultivation are preferential to spaced furrow ploughing
On mineral gleys and peaty gleys, moling either alone or in addition to other cultivation is beneficial
If spaced furrow ploughing is used on gleys or deep peats then it should be as shallow as possible
Plough pans, iron pans and indurated layers restrict the depth of rooting
Disrupt these if economically viable
Waterlogging kills roots and reduces the mechanical strength of the soil
Drains should be created at an appropriate spacing
Assymetric root systems are less stable than symmetric root systems
Roots should be well distributed around the planting spot at the time of planting. This is especially important in species which do not produce adventitous roots (e.g.pines, larches and Douglas fir)