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:

Consultations Include:

Testimonials

Punctual, professional, quick and thorough. Greg was great to work with and Angel and crew did a fantastic job. Would recommend Arborvine for any landscaping project!

Abby Hughes

Wilmington, DE
Arborvine landscaping is easy to work with and is a professional, courteous company. Their workers are efficient and friendly.

Lisa Brooks

Wilmington, DE
Love the workmanship, professionalism , design, and outcome of our outdoor project. Always on time, friendly, beautiful workmanship, cleaned up every day and on final day. Would highly recommend Arborvine for anyone. Thank you for an amazing outcome!

Karen Rockwell

Springfield, PA
We contracted with Greg and his team to replace about 200′ of backyard drainage piping. His pricing was competitive and they didn’t try to upsell us, or redesign the project parameters, as some of his competitors did. He installed exactly what we requested and the resultant project was a success. We no longer have a lake in our backyard and water is being diverted away from our foundation. I found Arborvine Landscaping to be very professional in the way they operated and will definitely have no issues working with them in the future. Thanks Greg.

Rick Fraatz

Wilmington, DE
My property had a serious drainage problem and Arborvine Landscaping created a beautiful swale that is sure to solve the issue. Additionally they planted some gorgeous native plants in a freshly created bed. The transformation is amazing!! Crew members Alex, Pedro and Angel were very professional and hardworking. I fully recommend Arborvine. Everyone was very easy to work with.

Valerie Martin

Wilmington, DE
Best landscaper I’ve ever used. Excellent and creative design work; began the project on time; finished on schedule. Was responsive throughout and accommodated last-minute change requests. Very professional, with high standards of excellence.

Dan King

Garnet Valley, PA
Greg and his team were a pleasure to work with. They were always extremely responsive and though weather and supply issues prolonged the overall project timeline, there was constant communication and they were committed to ensuring everything was installed properly and efficiently.

Nathan & Kelly Bachman

Newark, DE
We are very pleased with the quality of work that was performed on our drainage problem. They redid our front yard with a stone border and added a lot of new plants. They also take care of our mowing and yard fertilizing. Greg always keeps us informed with the progress of the jobs and responses to our texts and/or phone calls. We highly recommend them for all your landscaping projects!!

Sheila Moran

Wilmington, 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 Chamish

Wilmington, DE
Everything was done quickly and efficiently. They make sure that you are kept aware throughout the process.

Quideya Coleman

Boothwyn PA