During growth and development, tissue dynamics, such as tissue folding, cell intercalations and oriented cell divisions, are critical for shaping tissues and organs. However, less is known about how tissues regulate their dynamics during tissue homeostasis and repair, to maintain their shape after development, and in response to injury. In this talk, we will discuss how mechanical forces can influence each of these processes, such as how differential growth rates can generate precise folds in tissues. We will also discuss how tissues respond to mechanical perturbations, such as stretching or wounding, by altering their mechanical properties, to change tissue dynamics, and thus preserve tissue shape and patterning. We combine genetics, experimental biophysics and computational modelling across multiple animal model systems to study these processes.