Abstract: Tree height and radial growth, key to forest productivity and carbon sink capacity, however, their responses to warming may differ. Here, we review the main observation methods for tree height and radial growth, compare detection techniques employed in both warming manipulation experiments and field observations, and systematically summarize the ecological and physiological mechanisms by which warming affects these growth processes. Overall, due to technical limitations in continuous tree height measurement, most studies have focused on radial growth responses to warming, while evidence on tree height growth remains limited. Mechanistically, tree height growth is primarily regulated by hormone signaling in apical meristem and photosynthate allocation strategies. In contrast, tree radial growth depends more on cambial activity and non-structural carbohydrate storage, making it more sensitive to drought stress and carbon balance regulation. Warming primarily affects tree height and radial growth by altering carbon allocation, water-use efficiency, nutrient uptake, and phenological timing. Its effects show substantial heterogeneity across latitudes, tree functional traits, and environmental conditions. The key priority for future research is to strengthen the integration of high-resolution monitoring technologies such as LiDAR for height growth and automated dendrometers for radial growth, while emphasizing the interactions and legacy effects between warming and key limiting factors such as water and nutrient availability. These approaches will improve predictive capacity for forest productivity and offer a theoretical foundation for adaptive carbon sink management under global warming.

Key words: Warming, Height growth, Radial growth, Divergent responses, Carbon allocation