I always used to notice a certain kind of tree that always turned green before any of the others, and I finally found out they were willow trees. I've never planted any in my yard because they use a lot of water, but they still catch my eye at this time of year when I'm scanning for anything green.

The one I can see now from my kitchen window is in the center, below. (The shrubs on the left and the tree to the right and the rear of the willow don't count; they're evergreen.) Spring is really here.