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Tree growth regularities are extremely reliable indicators of general health and stability of forest in polluted areas. Changes in growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands located in the surroundings of JV "Achema" over longer than 40 year period of plant operation since 1965 when total annual emissions firstly increased up to 40 thous.t. and afterwards decreased up to 3-5 thous.t. allowed separating 4 increment formation periods, i.e. fertilisation, depression, regeneration and stabilisation. In the present study the authors aim to evaluate the effect of meteorological parameters on pine radial increment and detect key factors limiting pine growth over different periods of pine tree ring formation. Obtained data revealed that mean temperature of winter months was a key factor affecting pine tree ring width formation of the separated periods. Lack of humidity over vegetation limited pine growth over fertilisation, depression and stabilisation periods, meanwhile more humid September-December months - over depression, regeneration and stabilisation periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most widespread and thoroughly investigated European tree species. Despite this, a limited number of studies have examined mature beech tree growth outside their natural distribution range in relation to meteorological parameters and air pollution. The present study aimed to detect sensitivity of beech tree growth not only to meteorological conditions but also one of the most phytotoxic pollutants – surface ozone in Lithuania by using dendrochronological method. Data set since 1980 of surface ozone was available from Preila EMEP station, and enables to analyze integrated effect meteorology and surface ozone on beech growth variation over the last 30 year period. The obtained results revealed that hot summers, dry and cold dormant and first half of vegetation periods resulted in beech tree growth reduction. However, due to climate changes warmer dormant periods and rather stable temperatures of summers should increase the tolerance of beech trees to unfavorable lack of humidity in the first half of vegetation. Surface ozone having negative effect on beech tree growth due to stabilization in its concentration should not decrease beech tree stem increment. If changes in the considered parameters continue following the last 10 year period scenarios, the intensity of Beech tree growth in Lithuania should increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]