What three criteria that a tree must meet in order for its wood to be classified as softwood?

For wood to be classified as softwood, the tree must primarily be a conifer, meaning it typically has needle-like leaves and produces cones. Additionally, softwood trees generally have a simpler cell structure, characterized by tracheids and fewer vessels compared to hardwoods. Finally, softwood tends to grow faster than hardwood, resulting in lighter and less dense wood.