Differences in growth pattern and response to climate warming between Larix olgensis and Pinus koraiensis in Northeast China are related to their distinctions in xylem hydraulics

•Tree growth and response to climate warming are related to xylem hydraulics.•High hydraulic efficiency is an important basis for fast radial growth.•Temperature is the main climatic factor controlling tree growth in Northeast China.•Growth accelerated in two conifers accompanying temperature increase since 1990s.•The warming-drying trend may reverse the increased radial growth at low elevations.