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 bear cones that are sometimes berry-like and have leaves that hug the twig and are scale-like or awl-shaped?
CLUE: These trees are called CONIFERS (cone-bearing) and most are EVERGREEN.

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.