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Summer Watering: Helping Your Landscape Thrive Through the Heat

Summer Watering: Helping Your Landscape Thrive Through the Heat

As we enter July, the peak of summer is arriving and this heat can wreak havoc on a young landscape. Here are some tips to help your landscape thrive through the summer heat!

Quick Summary

  • Water new plants deeply every other day for the first 2–3 weeks, then as needed.
  • Water at the base, early morning or a few hours before sundown – never in peak heat or late at night.
  • Check soil moisture with your finger before watering.
  • Native plants and drip irrigation reduce long-term stress.

Understanding Plant Growing Cycles

This is what we call the 3 year cycle. In year one, the plants are getting acclimated to their new environment. New exposure, new soils, new neighbors. Plants will spend the first year focusing their energy on survival and adaptation as they get used to their new home. Remember, new plants are dug from the grower, potted and transported to us to be installed at your home. This is a lot for a new plant to endure!

Year two is where the plants really start to get comfortable in new surroundings. During this time they focus their energy on pushing out new roots, deeper and wider, anchoring themselves into their permanent home. This process, while not visible to us, sets the stage for the excitement to come. Proper watering and fertilization are integral to the plants at this stage.

Year three is when the waiting and the work starts to pay off. You will see denser foliage, more profuse blooms and moderate growth as the plants start to fill out their space! This growth is a result of the previous year’s spent strengthening and acclimating to their new environment.

During this entire process, proper care and watering is a crucial step to ensuring that your plants flourish and are properly nourished throughout the growth cycle.

While watering is a very frequent task immediately after installation, ongoing watering within the 3 year cycle and beyond is a key to long term success.

How often should I water plants in the summer?

At Arborvine, we provide detailed care instructions for everything we install including watering instructions for plants. These instructions outline how to water, when to water and how to tell if your plants need more or less water. Smaller plants such as perennials are naturally more sensitive to heat, especially when newly installed, and they benefit from close attention in their first season. Larger trees and shrubs are much more durable, but do require more water to survive.

Oftentimes, in the summer our area can be placed in a drought watch (as we are currently in July of 2026). Watering properly is not only beneficial to your plants, but it helps to conserve water too!

General Watering Instructions

Follow these steps to water your new plantings correctly through the first few weeks and beyond:

  1. Start with our deep initial watering. All plantings are installed with a premium starter fertilizer, and our crews perform the first deep watering — saturating the root area thoroughly. If the crew is unable to complete it, we’ll notify you to perform a deep watering the same day the plants are installed.

  2. Water deeply, every other day. For deep watering, every-other-day is recommended. Roots search for deeper water when you water this way; daily short spurts keep roots shallow at the surface.

  3. Always water at the base of the plant. Watering the foliage leads to burns, disease, and fungus that can spread and kill tender plants.

  4. Time it right — early morning or a few hours before sundown. Avoid watering in peak heat (water evaporates before it hydrates the plant) and avoid watering too late at night (encourages insects and mildew).

  5. Follow this schedule for the first 2–3 weeks, then water as needed. After the establishment window, water on an as-needed basis, paying special attention to extreme heat, prolonged dry weather, and signs of stress — wilt, leaf drop, yellowing, or excessively dry soil.

  6. Give trees and shrubs extra attention. They have higher water requirements while establishing, so plan to spend more time watering them.

  7. Use the watering bags on larger trees. Larger trees are equipped with 15-gallon watering bags. Fill them every other day for the first 2–3 weeks, then as needed. The bags deliver the right amount of water and cut down on manual watering time.

  8. Remove watering bags before winter.

How do I know if my plants need water?

The best way to check that your plants are receiving the appropriate amount of water within the first few weeks is by simply pulling away the mulch from a small area near the base of the plant. Stick your finger in the soil & if it is damp/moist then you do not need to water. If the soil feels dry, you should water at the next available appropriate time.

What do Overwatered vs. underwatered plants look like?

If you notice yellowing on the foliage of your plants, take a look before watering! If the foliage is limp, soft & droopy this is a sign of overwatering! If the foliage is crispy, dry & brittle, this is a sign of underwatering, so you should water again at the next available appropriate time!

Solution

While summer can be stressful on new plants and homeowners with newly installed landscapes, there are several considerations and steps to take when planning your landscape. Many of these items can be incorporated into existing landscapes, too!

Native Plantings

The use of native plants has many benefits, which is another great former blog topic to revisit. Beyond their pollinator-friendly nature and disease resistance, natives are perfectly acclimated to our local climate – giving your landscape an added layer of strength against the intensity of hot, dry Delaware and Pennsylvania summers. This doesn’t eliminate the need for watering, but it builds resilience into the design from day one.

And a native palette never limits your vision. The vibrancy of native perennials, the range of native shrubs and trees, and the unique textures of native grasses give our designers an extraordinary range to work with. Designed and installed professionally, a native palette can become the most striking, effortless landscape in your neighborhood – a private paradise that looks refined in every season while asking less of you to maintain it. 

Incorporating Trees

Including trees in your landscape design is not only a great way to provide height, dimension and additional structure to your landscape, while these are all great benefits. The key aspect here is that large trees can provide full or filtered shade to the shrubs and perennial plants below them. This can make all the difference when that summer heat rolls around. Placing these trees in a manner that compliments the landscape, provides privacy and shelters the surrounding plants at the right time is a huge benefit! Our designers will always survey the sun during consultations to see where the exposure is the strongest and ensure trees are spaced at the right spot to filter the landscape.

While trees do require the most amount of water up front, they are usually more mature than shrubs and perennials leading to a quicker establishment process. The upfront time spent watering and investment into the trees can pay dividends for the long term appearance and longevity of the landscape!

Drip Irrigation

For homeowners investing in a landscape meant to be enjoyed for years, drip irrigation is one of the most elegant ways to protect that investment. It can be integrated into an existing landscape or built into a new design from the start, with small tubing looped discreetly around trees and shrubs before mulching – completely out of sight. Controlled by a timer or an app, watering becomes effortless. Premium systems even adjust automatically, increasing water during extreme heat and scaling back or pausing during rain and cooler temperatures.

Drip irrigation doesn’t replace the deep hand-watering a new landscape needs in its first few weeks, but as your plants mature it removes the daily guesswork – delivering the consistent, resort-quality care that keeps a private-paradise landscape looking its best with virtually no effort on your part.

With the right planning, care and maintenance your landscape will thrive even in the hottest of Delaware & Pennsylvania summers! Educating our clients of the best practices, available techniques and tricks is our goal. We take immense pride in installing and maintaining fine landscapes throughout the area and strive to provide the tools and expertise to keep them looking breathtaking!

FAQs

Your questions, answered.

How often should I water new plants in the summer

Water new plants deeply every other day for the first 2–3 weeks after installation, then on an as-needed basis. Deep, every-other-day watering encourages roots to grow downward in search of moisture, while daily short spurts keep roots shallow and vulnerable to summer heat.

Water in the early morning or a few hours before sundown - never in peak heat or late at night. Peak-heat watering evaporates before it hydrates the plant, and watering too late at night encourages insects, mildew, and fungus. 

Pull back the mulch near the base of the plant and stick your finger in the soil. If it feels damp or moist, you don't need to water. If it feels dry, water at the next appropriate time - early morning or a few hours before sundown.

Check the foliage before watering. Limp, soft, and droopy foliage is a sign of overwatering. Crispy, dry, and brittle foliage is a sign of underwatering - in that case, water again at the next appropriate time.

Larger trees are equipped with 15-gallon watering bags that should be filled every other day for the first 2–3 weeks, then as needed. Trees require more water than shrubs and perennials while establishing, but they typically establish faster because they're more mature at installation.

Yes. Tree watering bags should be removed before winter to protect the tree and the bag through the cold season.

Native plants are acclimated to the local Delaware and Pennsylvania climate, giving them added resilience against hot, dry summers. They still require proper watering while establishing, but they build strength and drought tolerance into your landscape from the start.

Planning a new landscape or drip irrigation install?
Schedule a Consultation
(302) 502-5605

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.

Luxury Landscaping

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Let's Talk Maintenance Plans
Schedule a Consultation
(302) 502-5605

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.

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. 

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! 

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! 

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! 

Ready to Start Planning Your Outdoor Living Space?

If you’re considering a design-build outdoor project and want clarity on scope, timeline, budget, and next steps:

Plan Your Outdoor Living Project
(302) 502-5605
Consultations Include:
  • 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.

Ready to Start Planning Your Outdoor Living Space?

If you’re considering a design-build outdoor project and want clarity on scope, timeline, budget, and next steps:

Plan Your Outdoor Living Project
(302) 502-5605
Consultations Include:
  • 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!

Ready to Start Planning Your Outdoor Living Space?

If you’re considering a design-build outdoor project and want clarity on scope, timeline, budget, and next steps:

Plan Your Outdoor Living Project
(302) 502-5605
Consultations Include:
  • 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!

Client Mood Board Example

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.

Techo Bloc, Marmiro Stones, Premium Natural Flagstone & Boulders

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.

Project Planning & Construction

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!

Ready to Start Planning Your Outdoor Living Space?

If you’re considering a design-build outdoor project and want clarity on scope, timeline, budget, and next steps:

Plan Your Outdoor Living Project
(302) 502-5605
Consultations Include:
  • 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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