There are 2 types of succession
Primary (1o) - Community development in an essentially lifeless area with no soil remaining from a previous community.
Example - rock exposed by glaciers => lichens => mosses => grasses => shrubs => trees
Secondary (2o) - Community development following the disturbance of a previously existing community. Remnant soil exists.
Example - abandoned farm => crabgrass => horseweed => perennial weeds => pine trees => hardwoods.