Tree growth

Tree growth occurs mainly through the activity of its cambium layer, a thin layer of living cells between the bark and wood. The cambium produces new cells that become either xylem (wood) or phloem (bark), leading to an increase in diameter each year. During the growing season, the tree absorbs water and nutrients through its roots, which travel upward via the xylem. Simultaneously, sugars produced by photosynthesis in the leaves are transported through the phloem to support growth and storage. Overall, trees grow by adding new layers of cells internally and expanding their branches and roots externally.