treegrowth

Tree growth refers to the process by which trees increase in size over time. This increase is primarily due to cell division and expansion in specific areas of the plant, known as meristems. The most significant meristems responsible for growth are the apical meristems found at the tips of roots and shoots, which contribute to the tree's height and length, and the lateral meristems, specifically the vascular cambium and cork cambium, which lead to an increase in girth.

Photosynthesis is the fundamental process that fuels tree growth. Trees absorb sunlight, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and water from the soil to produce sugars. These sugars serve as energy for metabolic processes and as building blocks for new tissues, such as wood, leaves, and roots. Environmental factors play a crucial role in regulating the rate and extent of tree growth. Sunlight availability, water supply, nutrient levels in the soil, temperature, and competition from other plants all influence how quickly and how large a tree can grow.

The accumulation of wood produced by the vascular cambium over successive growing seasons forms the tree's trunk and branches, with annual growth rings often visible in cross-sections. The cork cambium produces the outer bark, which provides protection. This continuous process of cell production and differentiation allows trees to achieve their characteristic size and longevity, forming vital components of many ecosystems.