Abstract

Forests, often described as the lungs of the planet, are vital engines of carbon capture and biomass production. But what determines how efficiently they grow? Scientists have long hypothesized that planting mixtures of tree species, rather than monocultures, enhances forest productivity. A recent comprehensive review by Forrester, Plaga, and Bauhus (2025) delves into the intricate interplay between tree size, stand density, and species mixing, revealing how these factors influence forests’ ability to capture and utilize sunlight—the essential driver of growth.