Diverging growth performance of co-occurring trees (Picea abies) and shrubs (Pinus mugo) at the treeline ecotone of Central European mountain ranges

•Climate-growth relationships of treeline trees and shrubs were explored.•Trees featured a closer coupling with summer temperatures than shrubs.•Shrubs were more affected by microsite conditions than trees.•Recent growth acceleration of trees was steeper than that of shrubs.•Trees at their leading edge react to increasing temperature stronger than trailing-edge shrubs.