treedominated

Treedomominated refers to landscapes where trees form the dominant vegetation, comprising the principal component of land cover by biomass and canopy cover. In such areas, the tree layer largely defines the ecosystem’s structure, function, and microclimate, ranging from forests and woodlands to parklands or urban areas with substantial tree cover.

There is no universal threshold for treedominance. In practice, researchers infer treedominance from canopy cover, tree height, and biomass. Commonly used benchmarks place treedominated status above a certain canopy percentage (often around 40–60% or higher) or rely on a dominant tree layer. Local context and the presence of non-tree elements can still yield treedominated landscapes even with gaps.

Ecologically, treedominated landscapes provide services such as carbon storage, soil stabilization, temperature regulation, and habitat for diverse species. They exhibit vertical structure and vary from dense canopies to open woodlands, with understory dynamics influenced by disturbance, climate, and land use. Connectivity and patch configuration affect biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Although often equated with forests, treedominated areas can include mosaics with grass or shrub patches. Management aims—protecting native tree species, maintaining canopy cover, and reducing fragmentation—focus on preserving treedominant character, while considering fire, pests, and climate change that may shift systems toward non-tree-dominated states.