Woody plant encroachment
Woody plant encroachment is when bushes and shrubs grow more and take over the area where there used to be grass and other plants. This happens in grasslands and shrublands and can change the area from being open to being closed. It is different from invasive species which are plants that are brought from other places. It can happen because of things like people using the land too much, not allowing natural fires, and because of climate change. This can be bad for nature and for people who use the land. Some research has been done on this topic, but more is needed to understand it better.