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Serviceberry treeElisabeth Schittenhelm/Getty Images

Serviceberry

Hard-working and airy, serviceberries grow as trees or multi-stemmed shrubs. Plant a species that is suited to your region to attract birds and other wildlife. The blooms, foliage and bark stand out when grown against a dark background, like the one evergreens provide. If you love berries, then you’ve got to try honeyberries.

Why we love it: Four-season interest! From spring blooms to summer fruits to fall color to beautiful winter bark, serviceberry shines. 

10/16

American Hornbeamjorgeantonio/Getty Images

Musclewood or Hornbeam

This is the first year firespire musclewood is widely available to consumers. Celebrated for its upright form and stunning fall color, this tree has so far been pest- and disease-free. Here’s how to deal with 10 of the most common tree diseases.

Why we love it: It’s sun- and shade-tolerant so it will work well in any area of your yard, whether as a large hedge, a screen plant or a specimen plant in a smaller space.

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Hop HornbeamSieboldianus/Getty Images

Ironwood or Hop Hornbeam

Ironwood is a tough understory tree with beautiful birch-like leaves, grayish-brown flaky bark, fine-textured drooping branches and attractive hop-like fruits. Ironwood is considered a tough native hardwood and is not only ornamental but resistant to many disease and insect problems. Excellent tree for naturalized landscapes. Caring for your trees will help them grow quickly and fill out your yard.

Why we love it: Ironwood is shade tolerant and an excellent small, urban shade garden species.