| Abstract
| - Root systems from Sitka spruce trees planted at stump, away from stumps and on mounds were extracted from a restocking site 14 years after planting. Compass direction and diameter of all main roots were measured and the position of the centre of diameter, a concept analogous to the centre of mass, was calculated. The magnitude and direction of the centre of diameter from the stem centre were used in the statistical analysis of root system symmetry. The presence of a stump close to the planting position prevented the development of a uniform root system and caused considerable clustering of roots away from the stump. Root systems of trees planted away from old stumps or on mounds were more uniform, although there was enhanced root growth in the direction of the mound centre for those trees planted on the side of the mound. The implications for tree stability are discussed and alternatives to planting close to stumps are suggested.
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