Growth is primarily influenced by "limiting factors"—environmental conditions that are in the shortest supply:
: A light-colored, thicker layer formed in spring and early summer when growth is most rapid. Dendroclimatic studies : tree growth and climat...
: In high-latitude or high-elevation areas (treelines), cold temperatures limit growth. Thinner rings in these areas typically indicate cooler growing seasons, while wider rings signify warmer ones. while wider rings signify warmer ones.