Types of trees

Trees can be categorized in any number of ways. They can be categorized by:


 * Hardness of wood - hardwoods versus softwoods
 * Hardiness - Tropical vs Temperate
 * Retention of leaves - Deciduous vs non-deciduous
 * How used

Hardness of wood - Hardwoods vs Softwoods
This relates to easily the wood of a tree can be cut or broken. The harder the wood, the easily it can be used as lumber for building things like houses and boats. Softwoods are more popular for such things as carvings, precisely because they are easier to cut.

Retention of leaves - Deciduous vs non-deciduous
With deciduous trees, the leaves are lost on a seasonal basis. This can be relevant in the context of grounds maintenance and upkeep.

How used
Commercially trees can be classified into the following groups:


 * Fruit Trees
 * Nut Trees
 * Ornamental