Does the tree bear cones and have leaves that are needle-like?
CLUE: These trees are called CONIFERS (cone-bearing) and most are EVERGREEN (trees with needles or leaves that remain alive and on the tree through the winter and into the next growing season).

Does the tree have scale-like, or awl-shaped leaves, usually EVERGREEN, sometimes reduced to a thick fleshy stem?

Does the tree have leaves that are flat and thin and generally shed annually?
CLUE: These trees are called BROADLEAF, (a tree with leaves that are flat, thin and generally shed annually) most are DECIDUOUS (shedding all leaves annually) and bear a variety of fruit and flowers.