WHY THEY GROW, HOW THEY GROW: THE MECHANICS OF TREES

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Abstract
The main mechanical aim of tree growth is the homogeneous distribution of all stresses acting at the surface of the tree. This is also valid for branch joints and root joints as well as for wound healing and contact stresses due to interaction with other bodies or trees. If there is any local disturbance of the homogeneous surface stress state, the tree tries to repair it by adaptive growth. Related mechanisms are discussed and described theoretically with modern computer methods.