Author: Brenda Carey
Why You Should Consider a Landscape Maintenance Package for Your Home
Did you know Arborvine Landscaping maintains nearly every luxury landscape and outdoor living space we installed since our beginning? In addition to offering world-class landscape design and construction services, we provide one of the most effective and proven landscape maintenance programs in the region. Here’s why you should consider a landscape maintenance package for your home.
1. Custom Maintenance Plan for Your Property
Our experts will create a customized plan tailored to your property, desired frequency, preferences, and your budget. With plans ranging from one to four visits annually, we make it effortless to keep your landscape and outdoor living areas looking their best all season long. This is not your run-of-the-mill maintenance program. We get down to the finest details, including adjusting landscape lighting fixtures as plants mature & programming irrigation system timers based on the time of year, and cleaning out drainage outlets and collection areas regularly. An Arborvine maintenance plan leaves no stone unturned!
2. Site Familiarity and Consistent Crews
If your installation was done by us, we send the same crew that completed the install to provide the annual maintenance services. This establishes an unbeatable familiarity with the property – and with you as a homeowner – allowing our crew to fully understand the extent of the property and the clients. When we complete our custom landscape installs, we first educate our team members on the client’s objectives and visions for the project, followed by an introduction on site. Through our maintenance plans, this turns into a long-term relationship, allowing our crew members to see their work thrive and grow each year while our clients come to expect familiar faces keeping their landscape beautiful!
3. Extended Plant Warranties with a Maintenance Package
As our clients know, Arborvine Landscaping offers one of the strongest plant warranties in the industry. We stand behind what we build and what we plant. We are able to offer this due to the countless hours of hands-on training and education we provide our team. This investment ensures we use the best planting techniques in addition to sourcing our plant material from only the finest growers! With a qualifying landscape maintenance package from Arborvine Landscaping, you become eligible for an extended warranty on plants installed by us. Our warranties remain valid for each year that a client signs a consecutive maintenance contract with us.
4. Expert Oversight From Your Designer
Another benefit to our maintenance packages is regular professional oversight by our professional consultants. Typically, all maintenance visits begin with a walk-through of the property to evaluate the current condition of plant material, landscape beds, and other key areas of your outdoor living space . This means that the landscape designer is getting regular eyes on the property to inspect all aspects of the landscape. This allows for special adjustments to be made as needed to maintain top-tier results. For example, if a shrub is damaged coming out of winter, our consultants can authorize additional pruning or fertilization to bring that plant to life or authorize a replacement. This is just one more way our maintenance packages provide the high level of service and quality that our clients expect.
If you are looking for peace of mind when it comes to keeping your landscape and outdoor living areas looking great, consider a landscape maintenance plan for your property! At Arborvine, we make it easy and enjoyable to maintain your landscape and ensure your outdoor space thrives in every season!
Ready to protect your investment and keep your property looking its best?
Contact Arborvine Landscaping to learn more about our landscape maintenance services and request a custom maintenance package for your home.
Still unsure?
Your questions, answered.
How often should my landscape be professionally maintained?
Most Arborvine clients choose between two and four professional maintenance visits per year, depending on the size of the property, the complexity of the planting design, and how polished they want the space to look from season to season. A custom maintenance package can be tailored to your property’s specific needs instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all schedule.
What is included in an Arborvine landscape maintenance package?
A typical package can include plant and bed care, seasonal pruning, landscape lighting adjustments, irrigation timer programming, drainage outlet cleaning, and detailed inspections of your outdoor living areas. The goal is to protect your investment by keeping both the softscape plantings and hardscape elements performing and looking their best.
Do I need to have an Arborvine design‑build project to qualify for maintenance?
Landscape maintenance packages are primarily designed for properties where Arborvine completed the original landscape or outdoor living installation, which gives the crew deep familiarity with the site and design intent. In some cases, Arborvine may be able to maintain existing high-end landscapes; an on‑site consultation can determine whether the property is a good fit.
How does a maintenance package extend my plant warranty?
With a qualifying landscape maintenance package including three or more annual visits,, you may be eligible for extended warranties on trees & shrubs installed by Arborvine, as long as you sign consecutive maintenance contracts each year. Because the team is actively monitoring and caring for the plantings, Arborvine can confidently stand behind their health and performance over a longer period.
Can a maintenance visit address issues like drainage, grading, or lighting problems?
During scheduled maintenance visits, Arborvine’s consultants and designers walk the property and can identify early signs of drainage concerns, grading issues, or lighting adjustments needed as plants mature. When something more complex is uncovered, they can recommend additional services or phased improvements to prevent small issues from becoming major repairs.
When is the best time to set up a landscape maintenance package?
The best time to set up your maintenance package is late winter through early spring, before the growing season starts and schedules fill up. Planning early ensures you secure preferred dates and allows Arborvine to prepare your property to look its best from spring through fall.
Top 5 Upgrades to your Outdoor Living Space for Summer Entertaining
Last month we covered the top 5 outdoor living upgrades to maximize value & enjoyment. Last month’s features build the foundation for your outdoor space. With summer approaching, we are taking this month to highlight more specific features to boost summer entertaining!
1. Outdoor Kitchen
When entertaining, as the host it can be a struggle to relax, enjoy or even stay involved with a conversation if you are constantly running in and out of your kitchen with food, drinks & dishes. It can make you dread using your outdoor space to entertain friends & family, which was likely a core vision when investing in your patio from the start! Don’t let this prohibit you from those summer cookouts! Adding an outdoor kitchen makes entertaining a breeze! Not only can you stay involved in the conversation, but you can have a fully equipped kitchen in your own backyard, that’s right, we are not talking about a grill or a blackstone, a fully custom outdoor kitchen upfitted with all you need to keep the party outdoors!
Most outdoor kitchens will come equipped with a built-in gas grill, some storage & electric for lighting or countertop appliances, such as a slushy machine for the kids! However, outdoor kitchens built by Arborvine are highly customizable. We can incorporate refrigerators, freezers, storage drawers, trash cans, side burners & even a sink! Additionally, adding bar seating is a great way to keep guests close while the food is prepared. Another popular upgrade is to add a pergola or shade structure over the area!
Finish your kitchen with marble, quartzite, granite or concrete countertops & youll be ready for the best cookouts in the neighborhood! Each kitchen is custom built around your unique needs, using pavers or natural stone, this could be the upgrade you are missing to take your outdoor living space to the next level!
2. Outdoor TV
Perhaps you have a few sports fans in your family or a favorite show that premiers on Friday nights in the summer. Sometimes you just want to be outdoors in the summer time enjoying the warm, fresh air! An outdoor TV is a great way to gather friends and family around and enjoy some time together outdoors. A true outdoor TV is rated for the elements and can be left outdoors for all year long. Whether your TV is mounted to a fireplace, inside your shade structure or on a custom built TV wall, it will be a great addition to your outdoor space!
Maybe you’re hosting the annual baseball or softball team party for your kids’ little league or school team. Imagine being able to turn on the highlight reel to recap their season. These TV’s work just like the ones indoors with bluetooth capabilities allowing you to connect your phone or other devices!
3. Outdoor Sound System
No summer get together is complete without some music or your favorite sports teams radio broadcast in the background! Integrating an outdoor sound system is an easy way to set the vibe for your summer gathering. Our professionals install only the best outdoor sound system & can mount speakers in landscape beds, shade structures & even hardscape surfaces. Keeping the system discreet, easy to use and powerful enough to cover your entire outdoor living space! Easily pair your phone to the system & you are set & ready to kickoff your next summer gathering! There is no better way to elevate your summer entertainment events than a custom sound system!
4. Custom Pool
Adding a custom pool is one of the best ways to entertain your guests on even the warmest summer days! Pools serve as a great source of entertainment for adults & childen alike. A serene space custom built for priceless memories to be made. Incorporating custom slides, water falls, tanning ledges or deck jets can make your pool stand out from the rest. Incorporating a spa will also become a favorite for you & your guests!
Maybe you love the idea of a pool, but are concerned about space, maintenance or cost. A plunge or cocktail pool may be your answer. These are smaller pools that allow for a great space to sit, relax & enjoy a cool drink on a hot summer day! Plunge pools are becoming popular for the everyday homeowner who just wants a spot to cool off or wants to keep yard space open for other activities. Plunge pools are also a great fit for homeowners who are constricted by impervious surface requirements!
5. Quality Outdoor Furniture
When investing in a premium outdoor living space, it is important to ensure that your furniture selections are not only high quality and outdoor rated, but also that they complement the design & style of your outdoor space. Arborvine works with multiple outdoor furniture suppliers who can help select the right furniture for your space! Adding a few throw pillows or an area rug can really help soften the space and make it feel like a seamless extension of your home!
Considering these thoughtful upgrades as part of a new outdoor space or as additions to an existing space are sure to make entertaining family & guests a blast. Not only will they want to keep coming back, but with a carefully designed setup, you will want to have them back, time & time again!
After an in depth consultation, our design experts will capture your needs, vision and translate it into a creative design seamlessly integrating all features. Our seasoned craftsmen & project managers ensure flawless execution of even the most complex spaces featuring multiple elements. When it comes to highly customized, complex outdoor spaces Arborvines attention to detail, clear communication & standards of excellence ensure a seamless process from design, planning, construction and enjoyment!
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and get your property ready for the seasons ahead.
Still unsure?
Your questions, answered.
How do I determine which upgrade(s) would benefit my outdoor summer entertainment space the most?
Take a look at your current outdoor space: How do you use it currently, and who spends time there? When do they do it? After reviewing these questions, you may find what your space lacks and how one of these upgrades can transform your outdoor living environment.
How do I budget for an upgrade to my outdoor space?
All of Arborvine's projects start with a detailed consultation where we review your wish list & investment level. Our expert consultants can guide you through the budgeting process by suggesting different materials & phasing options if multiple upgrades or work areas are involved.
Will I be able to visualize the upgrades to my outdoor space?
Yes, Arborvine's consultants provide 3d renderings of each project to help you visualize and live "virtually" in the space before a contract is signed or a shovel hits the ground. We can even make adjustments in real time to review alternate options!
How long will the upgrade to my outdoor space take?
The timeline will vary greatly based on the upgrade: a medium-sized project like an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or TV wall can take a month. Smaller projects such as a sound system would only take a few days. Custom pools or fully equipped outdoor spaces will take the longest, ranging from 1-6 months. Arborvine's project managers provide great in-depth detail about timelines and phases of projects during the pre-construction phase!
When can my outdoor upgrade begin?
Arbrovine's backlog typically ranges from 1-3 months depending on the time of year. Our projects are scheduled for the next available production slot after a signed contract & deposit are received. We use this backlog time to procure materials & work on permitting. Our production team will keep in touch regularly as we approach the start date for your project!
If you’re considering a design-build outdoor project and want clarity on scope, timeline, budget, and next steps:
- Property evaluation and design possibilities discussion
- Preliminary budget guidance
- Timeline and process overview
- Next steps if we're a mutual fit!
Spring Showers, Meet Your Match: 5 Native Plants for Wet Yards
April Showers are upon us, and while they do bring May flowers, they can also bring wet yards! However, there are some plants that can help keep your landscape dry during those April showers. Check out our list of the top 5 native plants that will keep your yard dry this April!
Spring is a common time for Arborvine’s professional consultants to get called out to properties for drainage concerns. If you are seeing water pooling in your yard, getting into your home or causing erosion, you may need a professional site visit from our team to engineer a plan & solution. However, if you are simply looking for a way to help dry your yard up quicker, this list is for you! Arborvine installs a lot of engineered rain gardens, which are retention areas for water that are planted with carefully curated species & cultivars that don’t mind wet feet. These native plants are tried & tested to tolerate these conditions & may be a great addition to your home’s landscape!
1. Button Bush
A beautiful Delaware native shrub that has fragrant, white flowers during the summer months. This shrub is sure to attract your favorite pollinators! Buttonbush thrives in damp areas & can even handle mild pooling of water! A great choice as a foundation shrub or specimen feature!
2. Cardinal Flower
A naive perennial that tolerates full sun to partial shade. Use this perennial in a damp area and watch the vibrant flowers that produce stunning red spikes. The best part, these flowers are guaranteed to attract hummingbirds! A must have in a Delaware native landscape!
3. Winterberry
One of Arborvine’s favorite native shrubs to incorporate into our designs! A member of the holly family, this plant has smooth green leaves that shimmer in the summer sun. With cultivars maturing at multiple different sizes, this versatile plant can find a home in almost any landscape! The best part, in the winter, this plant stays true to its name offering one of a kind winter interest! Stunning red berries will remain vibrant all winter long. The perfect pop of color in a serene, snow covered winter landscape! Plus you may find one of your favorite birds snacking on the berries!
4. Joe Pye Weed
A unique perennial that can be used for meadows & perennial gardens. In late summer you can expect large, dusky pink flower heads which are butterfly magnets! Place this plant in a damp area and the roots will thrive! You may find this perennial lining one of Arborvines exquisite rock swales or dry creek beds throughout Delaware & Pennsylvania.
5. Swamp Rose Mallow
A true stunner to add color, texture & movement to your landscape! A mid to late summer bloomer with large, showy pink & white flowers. If you love color, this is a great naive perennial for you. Rose Mallow is not phased by damp soil conditions & will use this excess moisture to grow & thrive!
As April showers continue, the right plant choices can make a meaningful difference in how your landscape handles excess water. Incorporating native, moisture-tolerant plants is a simple and effective way to support better drainage while enhancing the beauty and ecological value of your yard. If you’re dealing with persistent pooling, erosion, or water making its way toward your home, Arborvine’s team is here to help. From thoughtfully designed rain gardens to fully engineered drainage solutions, we work with you every step of the way to create a landscape that performs as well as it looks.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and get your property ready for the seasons ahead.
If you’re considering a design-build outdoor project and want clarity on scope, timeline, budget, and next steps:
- Property evaluation and design possibilities discussion
- Preliminary budget guidance
- Timeline and process overview
- Next steps if we're a mutual fit!
Top 5 Outdoor Living Upgrades to Maximize Value & Enjoyment
If you are looking to enhance your curb appeal or outdoor living space in 2026 without a total revamp, here are the top 5 upgrades that will make a huge impact & change your outdoor space!
Use this guide & consider which upgrades you would enjoy the most. Each of these simple enhancements will increase the value & enjoyment you receive from your home!
1. Fire Pits
Fire pits create an experience in your outdoor space. They serve as the focal point, the spot where everyone wants to be. Priceless memories are made around the fire! Whether you are roasting marshmallows with your family or exchanging stories with friends, this is the place to be. With countless ways to customize fire features, they are an instant fun & value booster for your home!
We look at inspiration clients may have and collaborate with our expertise and skill to overcome design or terrain challenges and achieve the desired results regardless of the complexity of the property. Steep slopes, tight spaces, or a flat open canvas, we handle it all!
2. Patios
If you have a backyard where there is no place to set a table or even a few chairs, a small patio can totally change the exterior of your home, adding enjoyment & customization. Adding a patio creates a defined space to gather & enjoy the outdoors. Making this simple addition will leave you wondering how you lived without it! Building this space will create an extension of your home where outdoor living can be a dream come true, a simple space where priceless memories will be made & cherished!
3. Walkways
Walkways are great for enhancing your curb appeal or cohesively connecting key areas of your outdoor living space! Whether you need an intentional pathway leading guests to your front door or a discreet, turf-set stepping stone path leading to a secret garden retreat, this upgrade will make a huge difference. Investment levels are customizable with endless options ranging from custom pavers to timeless flagstone!
4. Landscaping
Installing a new landscape at your home is sure to turn heads! From subtle pops of perennial color to elegant evergreens & specimen flowering trees, a professionally designed landscape will create an environment that is warm, inviting, and unique to your style & vision. Incorporating seasonal interest will have guests & neighbors anxiously awaiting the next season to see what colors will pop at your home. Expertly installed landscapes bring your property to life and allow your home to stand out!
5. Landscape Lighting
Lighting is hands down the best way to improve the usability of your home after dark, capture its beauty all night, and even enhance your home’s security. Want to keep that backyard cookout going after the sun sets? Or impress your neighbors as your home glows through the night? Lighting is the answer! With color-changing options, the possibilities are endless with a custom outdoor lighting system!
If you’re considering a design-build outdoor project and want clarity on scope, timeline, budget, and next steps:
- Property evaluation and design possibilities discussion
- Preliminary budget guidance
- Timeline and process overview
- Next steps if we're a mutual fit!
Trending: The Experience Behind a Luxury Outdoor Living Space
The Process for Your Outdoor Living Space
In 2026 a unique trend is coming to light, this trend affects nearly every industry in the country and is causing shifts in consumer trends. Consumers are looking for experiences over just investing in material objects or services. When you think about experiences, you may think of sporting events, vacations, etc however, these experiences can also come from high quality service providers.
At Arborvine Landscaping, our mission has always been to provide the best experience for homeowners looking to create their dream outdoor spaces. Our clear process & legendary experience is one that has set Arborvine apart and forged our reputation as the most sought after design build firm in New Castle County, DE & Southeastern Chester County, PA.
An outdoor living space can be a big decision & investment, our dedicated team curated a custom process to make this journey effortlessly enjoyable.
A Thoughtful, Client-Centered Design Process
Starting from the initial design meeting, our creative design consultants will listen to our clients lifestyle preferences, visions & goals to create a space that suits their needs while also respecting the site conditions and style of the home.
We look at inspiration clients may have and collaborate with our expertise and skill to overcome design or terrain challenges and achieve the desired results regardless of the complexity of the property. Steep slopes, tight spaces, or a flat open canvas, we handle it all!
Bringing Your Vision to Life Through Design
From here, our process really comes to life as we create a design that allows our clients to digitally interact with the outdoor space. Our clients will feel like they are living in their space thanks to the quality of our design renderings.
This allows plenty of time to refine details, discuss phasing and select materials. Each design detail is thoughtful & intentional to reflect each client’s unique vision.
We will provide material samples and carefully review each selection to compliment the space with the finest available products to ensure a luxurious & durable outdoor space. Each earth derived natural stone selection is complimented beautifully by luscious plantings & even lighting or sound systems to create vibrant outdoor spaces.
This period of collaboration ends with a clear & detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, material selection and creating a clear blueprint to turn this vision to reality!
From Planning to Construction Excellence
Each Arborvine backyard is clearly planned before a shovel hits the ground. The Arbovine experience continues to impress as we move from planning to construction.
Our production managers will procure materials, handle permits & align our expert crews perfectly. After careful planning & coordination, a pre construction meeting kicks off the build. This is where our seasoned craftsmen will seamlessly integrate with the design team to fully understand the vision and start to bring it to life.
Each project built by Arbovine comes with a level of quality that is sure to exceed expectations.
A Stress-Free Build Experience
Construction can be stressful, but not when you choose Arborvine. Clean & safe jobsites, constant communication & attention to detail that is unmatched in our industry.
This stage of the process will leave you relaxed & informed, not worried about managing the project or stressing over the details. This step is where the importance of the design & planning process shine. The time spent with our consultants reviewing the design & carefully selecting the materials all pays off when it’s time to build.
At this point there is nothing left for you to do but enjoy the journey & cherish this design & build experience curated by Arborvine.
Many of our clients are sad to see our crews go. While they are ecstatic about their new personal paradise, they slightly miss the joyful daily bustle and positive vibes of our crew members & project managers. The true pride we take in our craft shows each and every day through our smiles, laughs & productive harmony as we proudly bring these visions to life.
Completion, Care, and Long-Term Confidence
On completion, our experts will proudly walk you through the space answering questions and guiding you through the key steps of care & maintenance. We will customize maintenance plans to suit clients needs and protect their investments.
There is no better feeling than the pride & confidence that comes with an Arborvine built backyard. From reminiscing on an experience that makes you smile, to the peace of mind that comes with our industry leading warranties and most importantly, the memories created in your space that you will cherish for life.
Our clients are forever members of the Arborvine family!
Build With Arborvine
If you are a homeowner who values a high quality experience as much as a high quality & long lasting outdoor space, build with Arborvine.
Our perfectly orchestrated process is the only choice when looking to enhance the enjoyment of your home through a custom outdoor space or landscape. While consumers valuing experiences may be a new trend, Arborvine stayed true to our roots, beat the curve by a decade & has been providing a top notch experience since the very beginning.
Join our rapidly growing family of happy clients who are actively creating memories in their dream backyard, proudly built by Arborvine!
If you’re considering a design-build outdoor project and want clarity on scope, timeline, budget, and next steps:
- Property evaluation and design possibilities discussion
- Preliminary budget guidance
- Timeline and process overview
- Next steps if we're a mutual fit!
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Testimonials
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A truly beautiful job!! We will be using Arborvine for our next project!
Susan MurrayWilmington, DE -
Arborvine designed and constructed a new front stoop with two steps and a walkway from the driveway. They gave excellent advice and helped us select materials that would look nice and function well. They have a good aesthetic sense — the new hardscaping is pleasing to the eye. They were careful with existing plantings and repaired or replaced them as needed. They are very friendly and professional.
Steven ZimmermanWilmington, DE -
Greg and the Arborvine crew did an excellent job on a design-build project for us late last year. We had steps added from our raised patio to our backyard. They added a planting area near the driveway, bluestone steps, boulders, shrubs on the side, river rock borders, smaller river rock under the patio (which looks great now instead of a mud hole), and made it all look perfect. What really impressed me was the response time on questions and changes before any money changed hands, AND the ease at which changes were accommodated during and near the end of the project. I’ve seen some contractors take a week or more to return email/calls, but Greg was nearly immediate! Highly recommended and I’d use Arborvine again in a heartbeat – without getting other quotes!
Dave TealWest Chester PA -
I recently had the pleasure of working with Greg and the Arborvine Landscaping team, and I couldn’t be more impressed with their knowledge, service and the results. From start to finish, the team demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a genuine passion for their work.
The staff at Arborvine Landscaping worked tirelessly to transform our front and back yard into a beautiful and serene outdoor space.
I highly recommend Arborvine Landscaping to anyone looking for top-notch and creative landscaping services. Their team’s dedication to excellence and their ability to deliver stunning results make them the best choice for any landscaping needs. Thank you, Greg and team!
Whitney AerensonWilmington, DE -
Greg was very patient with our many questions and ideas for our front walkway landscaping. The workers were polite, prompt, and accomplished the work in the time stated. We have received many compliments from our neighbors!
Julia RomingerWilmington, DE -
Arborvine Landscaping has done an excellent job each Spring getting our gardens back into shape after the harsh winters. Cleaning the debris, cutting back the plants properly, mulching and cutting the beds — all done well. They have honored their warranty on plants multiple times by replacing a couple of cultivars that did not make it. We have also had Arborvine aerate and seed the lawn — also done well. Greg Chakar has always responded in a timely manner to any question that has been asked.
Jim DavisWilmington, DE -
We moved into a home that had not been upgraded outside and was in need of new landscaping. We
wanted to add an outdoor kitchen as well for our anniversary. The work in the front of the house and also the outdoor patio and kitchen were higher than our expectations. Arborvine has turned our backyard into an Oasis! Love the work that was done. We are keeping them for our maintenance. People are stopping us and praising the front of the house upgrade. Highly Recommend.Laura KellerWilmington, DE -
I was very happy with my experience with Arbovine from the initial consultation through the completion of the job. They were very professional and did an excellent job! The work at our house included several things including new sod, new shrubs, and a lot of work with rock in the front and back of the yard with landscape edging. It all turned out great and I would certainly use them again for the next time we need work done!
Patrick HanleyWilmington, DE -
We called Arborvine to help us with a drainage issue in our yard. The entire experience from beginning to end was reat. We received, in my opinion, a fair estimate. From there, the project went smoothly. Greg and Peter were great and his team was outstanding. They arrived on time, focused on the project, worked all day, and paid attention to detail. The crew was friendly, courteous, and professional. Our yard looks great, even better than before, and the water problem seems to have been resolved. The cleanup was outstanding. They will be our first choice when we need landscaping in the future.
M. Jean ChamishWilmington, DE -
We had a wonderful experience working with Arborvine Landscaping, and I can’t say enough good things about their team. Kathy, Angel, and Angel were absolutely wonderful, each professional, kind, and knowledgeable.
Kathy was very responsive and thoughtful, helping navigate design choices with ease and always keeping our vision and budget in mind. Angel and Angel (yes, two Angels—and they truly lived up to the name!) were meticulous, hardworking, and respectful of our space.
Our yard has been completely transformed, and we couldn’t be happier.
Brooke WileyWilmington, DE