system
A chat on subreddit /r/NoStupidQuestions
human
The comments are saying the tree grows outward, but I don't quite understand. Trees do grow in height and circumference. Is the assumption here that the tree is done growing? Because I would like to know if it is still small tree that will grow new branches etc.
gpt
When trees grow, new wood is added at the tips of branches, not at the base of branches.

That is why the base of the tree always stays at ground level, new wood is not added in the roots, pushing the entire tree up.