We introduce a new class of automata, which we call vector addition tree automata. These automata are a natural generalization of vector addition systems with states, which are themselves equivalent to Petri nets. Then, we prove that the decidability of provability in multiplicative exponential linear logic (which is an open problem) is equivalent to the decidability of the reachability relation for vector addition tree automata. This result generalizes the well-known connection existing between Petri nets and the !-Horn fragment of multiplicative exponential linear logic.