1 Introduction Tree architecture, encompassing both tree morphology and topology, plays a critical role in tree growth, development, reproduction and adaptability to environmental conditions (Barnes et al., 1997; Eloy et al., 2017; Hallé et al., 1978; Osada & Takeda, 2003). Here, we define morphology to be the shapes, sizes and physical attributes of the trunk and branches, and topology to be the connectivity and hierarchical relationships between the trunk and branches. Laurans et al.