Processed sap flow and fine-root trait data associated with summer drought responses in temperate trees in Lisle, Illinois, USA (2019–2021)

These data support the manuscript “Acquisitive root exploration strategies help maintain higher peak sap flux rates during summer drought, but more root biomass does not”. The dataset includes processed sap flow measurements and fine-root trait data collected between 2019 and 2021 from temperate monodominant tree plots established in the 1920s to 1930s ranging in size from 0.05 to 0.8 ha at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. Sap flow was measured with ICT sap flow sensors using the heat ratio method. Fine-root traits were measured from soil cores which includes specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), diameter, biomass, and length for diameter classes ≤1 mm and ≤2 mm. The package contains comma separated value (CSV) data files and associated metadata that can be viewed and analyzed using common software such as spreadsheet programs, R, and Python. These data are used to investigate how variation in fine-root traits relate to tree water use and drought response during summer drought linking belowground root traits and aboveground physiological responses.