According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 82% of homeowners say their outdoor space brings them happiness. Yet nearly one in four admit they feel embarrassed about the state of their yard — and many avoid hosting because it’s not in good shape.
The truth is, we all want something different from our outdoor space. For some, it’s pride when pulling into the driveway. For others, it’s gathering friends around a fire feature. And for many, it’s simply having a quiet place to unwind at the end of the day.
Here in Pennsylvania — where we experience all four seasons — our outdoor spaces work hard. They frame our homes in spring, host gatherings in summer, carry us through football season in fall, and rest under snow in winter. When designed thoughtfully, they add beauty, function, and lasting value.
Before investing in an upgrade this season, it’s worth asking a simple question:
What do you want your outdoor space to do for you?
To help you think through that decision, we’ve organized a range of landscape improvements by the type of value they bring to your home and your lifestyle.
You’ll notice two measurements that are are informed by national industry data, including insights from The 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, a trusted report published in collaboration with real estate and landscape industry professionals. included in the graphics:
Joy Score
Reflects how strongly homeowners report lifestyle satisfaction after completing a project — how it improves daily enjoyment, pride, comfort, and use of the space.
Estimated ROI (Return on Investment)
Reflects potential financial return at resale. Financial return matters. But how your home feels every day — when you arrive, when you host, when you unwind — may matter even more.
Below, we’ve organized common landscape features by the type of value they bring — so you can think beyond trends and focus on what truly matters to you.
The Right Upgrade Depends on What Matters Most to You
The Right Investment Is Personal
There is no universal “best” upgrade. The right decision depends on what motivates you — pride, connection, peace, long-term value, or a combination of all four.
If you’re considering improvements this season, Whitehouse Landscaping is happy to help you think through both the financial return and the everyday return your space can provide. Our design team works with homeowners in the Pottstown, Collegeville, Wayne and Glenmoore area to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional and bring long-term value.
Schedule a complimentary consultation and let’s explore what your outdoor space could become.