1.   Drought resulted in Decreased root growth and slower breakdown of soil litter, an important source of magnesium for forest trees.

2.   New herbaceous perennials planted now will put on plenty of root growth before winter, giving a better display next year.

3.   An application of late-fall fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium promotes root growth and helps create a healthier lawn in the spring.

4.   And more important for every kind of nursery tree is that the buds on stems, especially those near the tips, produce hormones that stimulate root growth.

5.   Apply a slow-release or organic fertilizer in the fall to encourage good root growth over the winter.

6.   As vegetative growth slows down in the fall, energy pours into root growth.

7.   -- Cooler temperatures make the soil soft and workable yet still warm enough to encourage root growth.

8.   All kinds of plants can be planted now, and two solid months of prime root growth will pay off next spring.

9.   Even if it germinates, the small root growth would not anchor the plants against the heaving caused by freezing and thawing.

10.   Fertilize again in the fall, not to promote top growth, but to promote good root growth during the winter.