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Campos de murundus (CM) is a savanna vegetation type of Cerrado which remain flooded in the rainy season. It is considered protected areas in the state of Goiás, Brazil, but are under strong pressure due to the construction of drainage ditches around them. In this study we compared sampled and estimated species richness, structure and vegetation dynamics between drained and non-drained areas in CM over a seven-year period. We delimited 10 20x50 m plots in drained areas and 10 plots in non-drained areas with 200 m between them. Friedman's test was used to compare richness and individuals per plot between drained and non-drained areas. A MANOVA was used to compare horizontal structure parameters such as density, frequency, dominance, importance value index, importance value cover, mortality, recruitment, net changes and turnover in individuals and basal area per plot between areas. The estimated richness was higher in non-drained than in drained areas. Density and absolute dominance were greater in drained than non-drained areas. The increase in species richness, individual number, densification, dominance, and recruitment of individuals indicates encroachment of woody plants in the mound fields over time in both areas. Our study suggests a shift on structure of woody layer in CM which may affect ecosystem services such as water circulation in the long term. [Display omitted] • The impact of drainage ditches on Campos de murundus were addressed over 7 years. • The shrubs-trees species were compared between drained and non-drained areas. • The sampled species richness increases in both areas. • The estimated species richness, density and absolute dominance differ between areas. • Animal-dispersed species absolute dominance increases mainly in the drained areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]