The vertical organization of woodland structure is commonly classified in terms of characteristic layers. In Hong Kong, woodland shows a considerable similarity to the humid subtropical forests, which are generally divided into four layers.

a) Emergent layer

b) Closed tree canopy layer

c) Tree-shrub layer

d) Sparse ground layer

In addition, tropical and subtropical woodlands and forests typically are filled with lianas (woody climbers in tropical forests) and epiphytes (plants growing on aerial parts of other plants).