Forest growth

It is a common misconception that trees grow in the daytime, when photosynthesis produces carbohydrates from CO2. A study led by the Swiss Research Institute WSL has now shown that tree growth takes place primarily in the dark. Trees only grow for a small number of hours per day and per season.

Continuous monitoring of growth on experimental forest plots since 1870 - this is a global rarity. Just as fascinating is what this observation has revealed: our trees have been growing faster over the last five decades than they did before.

Tree ring analysis is an important, efficient and low cost instrument for modern forest management. Drill cores as well as cross sections can be used.