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

We used Arborvine for a design/installation of front and side landscaping beds including new bed shape, sod, lighting and all new shrubs and perennials. 4 full day project. Excellent workmanship and punctual, pleasant and DETAILED landscaping workers. We will use for all future needs!

Kathleen L

Wilmington, DE
Greg and his crew did a phenomenal job on our landscaping. The customer service aspect of Greg and his crew were top notch. We had many additions to our plan and they were handled timely and professionally. I highly recommend Arborvine Landscaping for any of your landscaping needs!! Great service at a great value. We are so pleased with the outcome and how it changed the look of our property.

Pat & Dave Pearsall

Middletown, 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 Hanley

Wilmington, DE
Arborvine Landscaping is the premier choice for landscaping services in North Wilmington and the surrounding areas. Their commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous attention to detail, and their highly trained, professional crew consistently delivers top-notch results. Whether for residential or commercial needs, Arborvine Landscaping is highly recommended for anyone seeking reliable, expert service.

Steven Yohay

Wilmington, 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 Zimmerman

Wilmington, 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 Davis

Wilmington, DE
Arborvine provided professional service and was prompt and courteous. Greg communicated thoughtfully and timely. I recommend Arborvine to all looking for high-quality landscaping.

Aaron and Stephanie Dallaire

Wilmington, DE
We hired Arborvine for a landscaping project to remove a large area of poison ivy and replace it with sod. The team arrived on time, worked hard, and consulted with us every step of the way. They did a superb job and we are very satisfied with the outcome. We strongly recommend Arborvine for any landscaping projects you may be putting off.

Robert Carver

Wilmington, DE
Greg and his team did a fantastic job on our in-ground pool. We are very pleased with the overall process and end result. I am confident that our new pool will provide years of family fun and add significant value to our home. Thank you Arborvine Landscaping!

Sheri Jenkins

Greenville, DE
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