In our warranty, FGS defines a woody plant that is either a shrub or tree having multiple permanent stems branching from or near the ground and/or trunk. Woody plants may be deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves for a season, or an evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves and/or canopy throughout all four seasons. Perennials are plants, once installed, may appear dormant for a season and return year after year. While still having a somewhat tender root system, they provide years of enjoyment and enhance gardenscapes. Annuals are plants with a life cycle that grow seasonally and must be replanted.