Abstract Key message Although global changes are expected to intensify the impact of wind as a hazard, recent studies have emphasized the critical role wind plays in tree growth and development. Wind-induced swaying generates strains that the tree perceives, triggering a process known as thigmomorphogenesis. This process alters the tree’s growth patterns and wood properties to enhance its mechanical stability. Thus, wind functions not only as a hazard but also as a growth factor, enabling the tree to acclimate to wind loads and reduce its mechanical risk. Despite the significant role of thigmomorphogenesis in tree growth and carbon allocation, this process remains largely overlooked in forest ecology and management models. We strongly advocate for the integration of wind-induced strain sensing, the primary driver of thigmomorphogenesis, alongside established environmental factors in tree and forest growth models, as well as in instrumented forest stands aimed at studying the effects of environmental factors on tree growth. This crucial step is essential for a comprehensive understanding of forest growth dynamics and for informed decision-making in forest management.