A sign that spring has sprung, Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensi) bloom before leafing out, putting on a display of showy pinkish-purple flowers. "In older specimens, they will even flower on the trunks," says Altenburger. "Various varieties are available from variegated foliage to weeping, and even ones with white blooms."

Another dogwood variety with big curb appeal, kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) provides multi-season interest. "The kousa dogwood offers a stunning display of delicate pink or white flowers in spring, complemented with late summer fruit and reddish-purple foliage during the fall season," says Hesseltine. "This tree is a disease-resistant alternative to the flowering dogwood, ensuring its longevity and beauty for years." Water newly planted kousa dogwood deeply and regularly to promote healthy root growth.

Known for its fragrant white blooms that appear in late spring, the fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) produces beautiful blue-purple fruits after it flowers. "As a native tree to Eastern North America, it requires minimal maintenance, making it a hassle-free, and stunning addition to your landscape," says Hesseltine.

A hybrid of two other magnolias, saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) will be the showstopper of your landscape come early spring. "It does well in wet conditions and will continually rejuvenate itself as it gets older by sending up new sprouts as the larger stems die or decline," says Altenburger. "They are available in many varieties with different color flowers and forms."

The foliage of paperbark maple (Acer griseum) isn't the only beautiful part of the tree—it's actually highly sought after for its bark. "Even young trees will have a golden orange-to-brown, flaky bark that only gets better with age," says Altenburger. "They are a fairly upright ornamental maple that can fit in most front yards, even when given a small footprint to grow in."

Blackhaw viburnum  (Viburnum prunifolium) has a unique shape that adds a distinctive touch to any landscape. It showcases cream-colored flowers and plump, blue fall fruits. "Notably, the tree's fruits are edible for both wildlife and humans," says Hesseltine. "Water newly planted trees deeply and regularly to promote healthy roots."

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is one of the most beautiful shrubs to grow in the landscape. "It provides year-round interest with dried flower heads and attractive peeling bark in winter," says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. It produces large panicles of white flowers that mature to shades of pink from late spring to summer.

Carolina rose (Rose carolina) is great for privacy, but it's also beautiful to look at. From late spring to summer, it produces showy, fragrant pink flowers with a yellow center. The red rosehips attract birds, and the thorny branches provide protection for shelter and nests, says Phillips. It can be planted in a row to create a living fence, creating a natural separation that still lets some light and air through.

Create a fast-growing privacy screen with viburnum. “Different varieties and species offer stunning visual appeal, whether through vibrant flowers, attractive fall foliage, or the shifting colors of new foliage growth," says Jim Putnam, plant expert for Southern Living Plant Collection. "Viburnum is a real showstopper, especially if you plant it in a sunny spot where the new leaves can put on their best color."

Plum pine (Podocarpus) is an evergreen shrub with foliage that creates a year-round privacy screen. "Podocarpus is like having a living fence that puts on a colorful show throughout the year," says Putnam. "With its fast growth and easy maintenance, you'll be enjoying a lush, green barrier in no time. Plus, it tolerates some shade, making it a versatile option for many landscapes."