The term 'CONIFERS' is used to describe a group of trees and shrubs that are characterized by their needle-like leaves and woody cones. This includes spruces and firs, which are two of the most common types of CONIFERS. Spruces are evergreen trees with triangular-shaped needles and thin, scaly bark, while firs are also evergreen trees with flat, soft needles and thick, furrowed bark. Both spruces and firs are popular for landscaping and timber production.