Quantifying elevation shifts in climatic sensitivity of radial growth and physiology of major tree species across three European mountain ranges

Forest managers face a challenge in selecting tree species that can thrive in future climates marked by extreme droughts, heat waves, and late spring frosts. These climate events can reduce growth, increase susceptibility to pests, and lead to higher tree mortality. To address this, our project aims at assessing the physiological and growth climate sensitivity of five major European tree species across elevational transects in the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians. We will analyze tree-ring data, measure carbon and oxygen isotopes in the cellulose and conduct sapling experiments to understand species-specific responses to drought and cold. The findings will help improve forest management by identifying species suited to future climate conditions and ensuring the health and resilience of forest ecosystems.