Invasive and native woody plant encroachment: Definitions and debates

Abstract

In this short opinion piece, we discuss the appropriate use of the term ‘invasion’ for woody plant expansion and refer to the various ways in which the term is being used in the literature. We point out the present confusion and make suggestions for the use of a more appropriate term (i.e., ‘woody plant encroachment’). We continue with an overview of the various definitions of ‘woody plant encroachment in the literature, we mention associated alternative terms, and we explain the circumstances in which each of these are used. With this piece, we hope to provide more clarity on the use of correct terminology related to woody plant expansion research.