Finally deciduous hardwood trees become established. Early on fast growing maples may predominate and then give way to slower growing oaks. On bare rock the first plants will be crustose lichens, followed by foliose lichens. As soil builds up the surface can hold water so that mosses become established. Next come grasses.
Soil continues to build until perennials can take hold.
The first trees to colonize the dry site may be pines or other conifers which may be replaced by hardwood trees in time. Succession nowadays often starts with soil already formed rather than from open water or bare rock. Abandoned farmland, industrial or urban sites revert to woodland. All rights reserved.