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tree line

/tri laɪn/
IPA guide

Other forms: tree lines

The tree line is the point on a mountain above which trees can't grow. Once you pass the tree line, it's too dry, cold, and windy to support the growth of anything larger than small shrubs.

The terms tree line and timberline are commonly used interchangeably. Technically, however, trees at and below the timberline grow densely and form a canopy, with sparse tree growth continuing up to the tree line. Higher than that, there are no trees at all. Climb as high as the tree line and you might find it harder to breathe!

Definitions of tree line
  1. noun
    line marking the upper limit of tree growth in mountains or northern latitudes
    synonyms: timber line, timberline
    see moresee less
    type of:
    line
    a spatial location defined by a real or imaginary unidimensional extent
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