Which environmental factor is crucial for tree growth and is often limited by competition?

Access to sunlight is a critical environmental factor for tree growth because it directly influences photosynthesis, the process by which trees produce food to sustain themselves. Trees require adequate sunlight to develop leaves and branches, enabling them to capture energy from the sun efficiently. However, in forest ecosystems and other densely vegetated areas, competition for sunlight can significantly impact tree growth. Taller trees may overshadow shorter ones, limiting their ability to receive sufficient sunlight, which can lead to stunted growth or even death. This limitation highlights the importance of light availability in thriving tree populations and their ability to compete effectively for resources in a shared environment.

Soil pH levels, tree age, and wind exposure play important roles in tree health, but they do not specifically pertain to light competition in the same way that access to sunlight does. Soil pH affects nutrient availability, tree age impacts growth rates and reproductive capabilities, and wind exposure can influence structural integrity and health, but these factors do not involve direct competition among trees in the same way sunlight does.