I thought I would take a minute to define a couple of terms that are related to trees.  Often the terms evergreen, conifer, and deciduous are confused.  Defining these terms might help you decide which tree is right for you.

Deciduous:  This term refers to a tree that looses it leaves yearly.  Generally, this happens in the fall when it begins to go dormant.  Maple, Oak, and Sycamore trees are examples of trees that are deciduous.

Evergreen:  This term refers to a tree that retains its leaves year round.  These trees retain their leaves (or needles) throughout the year.  Arborvitae, spruce, and fir trees are some examples.

Conifer:  This term refers to a tree that is bears cones.  Examples of these would be the Dawn Redwood, Bald Cypress, and spruce trees.

The terms conifer and evergreen are often confused.  Most conifer trees retain their leaves all year, so they are also evergreen trees.  However there are a few examples of conifers that are deciduous (the Bald Cypress or the Dawn Redwood).  Also, there are also evergreens that are not conifers.  Sometimes those terms are used interchangeably and they are not exactly the same thing.