By Debbi Mayster | Contributor
The trend of “backyarding”—which involves moving indoor activities outdoors to utilize green spaces—continues to grow, with projections indicating its significant development in 2024, as stated by the TurfMutt Foundation. This organization promotes the importance of caring for and utilizing green spaces, such as backyards, community parks, and school yards. The TurfMutt Foundation anticipates that the “backyarding” movement will increasingly focus on sustainable practices in the coming year.
“Homeowners are more aware than ever of how their yards and parks can positively impact the environment and enhance their well-being,” explains Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation and its parent organization, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “People are improving their outdoor spaces with a variety of objectives, particularly with consideration for their families, pets, and the planet.”
Looking ahead to 2024, the TurfMutt Foundation outlines these 10 anticipated trends in backyarding:
•Enhancing Current Spaces Instead of Relocating. Due to high interest rates and limited housing options, many homeowners are opting to upgrade their existing homes. After focusing on interior changes, attention is shifting to backyard enhancements that blend indoor and outdoor lifestyles seamlessly.
•Desiring Homes Adjacent to Parks or Nature. Even those aiming to downsize still want to keep a connection to natural surroundings. They understand that backyarding can occur in various sized spaces while also enhancing their access to community parks, school yards, and other green areas.
•Reviving Neighborhood Gatherings…in Backyards. With homeowners investing in outdoor spaces, many are now using these areas to host neighborhood block parties, bringing back a sense of community.
•Transforming Backyards into Fun Oases. In an effort to engage their children and friends, homeowners are crafting their backyards into entertainment venues. Some are opting for extravagant features like pools or pickleball courts, while others might simply set aside lawn space for cornhole or a small soccer field.
•Prioritizing the Care of Living Landscapes. As the value of lawns, trees, and plants rises, homeowners are committed to their upkeep. This includes investing in tools for DIY maintenance and hiring professionals for tasks such as pruning and revitalizing lawns.
•Choosing Natural Grass. The trend of replacing real grass with artificial substitutes is declining as homeowners recognize the drawbacks, including cleaning difficulties and excessive heat retention.
•Planting for Pollinators. Formerly a niche interest, the practice of cultivating gardens that support pollinators has become widespread. Homeowners are increasingly aware of the role their yards play in providing sustenance and shelter for pollinators such as birds, butterflies, and bats throughout the year.
•Incorporating Drought-Resistant Plants. Homeowners are increasingly selecting plants suited for dry environments, which better cater to water-scarce conditions in their areas by researching species that will flourish in specific microclimates.
•Blending Materials. With outdoor living becoming integral to daily life, homeowners are focused on designing well-coordinated outdoor areas that harmonize landscaping, hardscaping, and natural elements.
•Backyard Birdwatching. The popularity of birdwatching surged during the pandemic and has proven to be a lasting interest. It not only serves as a relaxing pastime but also offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with nature right in one’s backyard.
To stay updated with more backyarding insights and news from the TurfMutt Foundation, subscribe to Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter filled with helpful tips and resources.
