Forests vs. Woods: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between forests and woods primarily involves canopy cover and tree density. Forests are characterized by a thicker canopy cover, meaning a greater portion of the land is shaded by tree tops. In contrast, woods have a more open canopy with sparser tree density, resulting in drier, more sunlit soil. Both ecosystems host a wide array of wildlife, but woodlands are often seen as transitional areas between dense forests and open land.
Historical Context
The terms “forest” and “woods” have evolved over time. In medieval times, a “forest” was a large tract of land reserved for royal hunting. Today, organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the U.S. National Vegetation Classification provide specific criteria to differentiate between the two.
Size and Canopy Cover
Ecologically, forests and woods both have trees exceeding five meters (16 feet) in height and can cover similar land areas. However, a forest typically has a canopy cover of over 60%, making it denser than woods, which have a canopy cover ranging from 5% to 60%.
Defining a Forest
According to the FAO, a forest covers more than 0.5 hectares (about 1.24 acres) with trees taller than five meters and a canopy cover exceeding 10%. Forests also include areas with young trees expected to reach these dimensions. Importantly, land primarily used for agriculture is not classified as a forest. Forests provide habitats for a vast number of species, including nearly 5,000 amphibian species, 7,500 bird species, and over 3,700 mammal species.
The U.S. National Vegetation Classification defines forests as areas dominated by trees at least six meters (19 feet) tall, with a canopy cover typically between 60% and 100%. Forests temporarily losing their canopy due to disturbances like disease or windthrow are still considered forests.
Types of Forests
- Temperate Forests: These forests experience distinct seasons with varying temperatures and host animals like wolves, mountain lions, deer, and bears.
- Tropical Forests: Located near the equator, these forests have warm, humid climates and high rainfall, supporting diverse species such as jaguars, gorillas, and numerous plants and fungi.
- Boreal Forests: Found in regions like Siberia and Alaska, boreal forests have cold temperatures and play a significant role in carbon capture. They are home to species like moose, reindeer, and polar bears.
Defining Woods
The FAO defines “other wooded land” as areas not classified as forests but spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees over five meters tall and a canopy cover of 5% to 10%. Alternatively, it can have a combined cover of shrubs, bushes, and trees exceeding 10%. The U.S. National Vegetation Classification describes woodlands as areas dominated by trees with an open canopy cover of 5% to 60%. Thus, woods transition into forests when the canopy cover exceeds 10%.
In different regions, definitions vary. For instance, in North America, “old-growth forests” refer to ancient woodlands, while in the UK, the term “ancient woodlands” applies to areas with tree stands existing since before 1600. In Australia, woodlands are classified based on tree cover, ranging from 10% to 30%.
Key Takeaways
- Canopy Cover and Tree Density: Forests have a denser canopy and more trees, while woods have an open canopy and fewer trees.
- Historical Use: “Forest” historically referred to royal hunting lands, but modern definitions rely on tree height, canopy cover, and land use.
- Ecological Impact: Forests have a canopy cover over 60% and can cover the same area as woods, which have a canopy cover of 5% to 60%.
- Forest Types: Temperate, tropical, and boreal forests support distinct wildlife and play crucial roles in carbon capture and biodiversity.
