PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - T.T. Kozlowski TI - Tree Growth in Response to Environmental Stresses AID - 10.48044/jauf.1985.023 DP - 1985 Apr 01 TA - Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF) PG - 97--111 VI - 11 IP - 4 4099 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/11/4/97.short 4100 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/11/4/97.full SO - JOA1985 Apr 01; 11 AB - Shade trees are subjected to a wide variety of environmental stresses which decrease growth and cause injury and mortality. Although trees often are classed as either stressed or unstressed, all trees are periodically stressed by unfavorable environmental conditions above or below ground, and often both. Exposure of trees to some stresses also predispose them to the effects of other stresses. Healthy trees require adequate supplies and balances of carbohydrates, growth regulating hormones, water, and minerals. Environmental stresses, alone or in combination, reduce tree growth by setting in motion a series of complex physiological events leading to deficiencies of these essential substances. Explaining growth reduction of stressed trees by correlating growth with a single physiological process such as photosynthesis oversimplifies the causal events involved. Examples are given of some of the mechanisms by which drought, high and low temperature, mineral deficiency or excess, and environmental pollutants reduce growth and injure shade trees. Arborists can make important contributions in selecting appropriate species, adequately preparing planting sites, and imposing cultural practices that will minimize exposure of trees to stress factors.