This is an oak-dominated forest that borders salt marshes or occurs on exposed bluffs and sand spits within about 200 meters of the seacoast. The trees may be somewhat stunted and flat-topped because the canopies are pruned by salt spray and exposed to winds. The forest is usually dominated by two or more species of oaks. Characteristic canopy trees include post oak (Quercus stellata), black oak (Q. velutina), scarlet oak (Q. coccinea) and white oak (Q. alba). A small number of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) may be present, but is not a dominant tree in any strata within maritime post oak forests.

This is a broadleaf evergreen maritime strand forest that occurs in low areas on the back portions of maritime dunes. The dunes protect these areas from overwash and salt spray enough to allow forest formation. In New York State, this forest is best developed and probably restricted to the barrier islands off the south shore of Long Island. The trees are usually stunted and flat-topped because the canopies are pruned by salt spray and exposed to winds. The dominant tree is usually American holly (Ilex opaca), but typically includes a few hardwood trees such as sassafras (Sassafras albidum), serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.), and oak (Quercus sp.). Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), if present within this natural community, occurs in only small amounts.

This is a successional hardwood forest that occurs in low areas near the seacoast. This forest is a variable type that develops after vegetation has burned or land has been cleared (such as pastureland or farm fields). The trees may be somewhat stunted and flat-topped because the canopies are pruned by salt spray. The forest may be dominated by a single species, or there may be two or three codominants. Successional maritime forests that have red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) as a dominant tree will likely succeed to a maritime red cedar forest upon maturity.

This is a hardwood forest with American beech (Fagus grandifolia) dominant that usually occurs on north-facing exposed bluffs and the back portions of rolling dunes in well-drained fine sands. Black oak (Quercus velutina) and red maple (Acer rubrum) may be present at low density. Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), if present, is generally only in small amounts within this natural community.