To understand how trees at high elevations might use water differently in the future, we investigated the effects of CO2 enrichment and soil warming (separately and combined) on the water relations of Larix decidua growing at the tree line in the Swiss Alps.

We assessed diurnal stem radius fluctuations using point dendrometers and applied a hydraulic plant model using microclimate and soil water potential data as inputs.

Trees exposed to CO2 enrichment for 9 yr showed smaller diurnal stem radius contractions (by 46  16%) and expansions compared with trees exposed to ambient CO2. Additionally, there was a delay in the timing of daily maximum and minimum radius values for trees growing under elevated CO2. Parameters optimized with
the hydraulic model suggested that CO2-enriched trees had an increased flow resistance between the xylem and bark, representing a more buffered water supply system. Soil warming did not alter diurnal fluctuation dynamics or the CO2 response.

Elevated CO2 altered the hydraulic water flow and storage system within L. decidua trees, which might have contributed to enhanced growth during 9 yr of CO2 enrichment and could ultimately influence the future competitive ability of this key tree-line species.

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