By Debbi Mayster | Contributor
The housing market is known for its fluctuations, and recently, there has been a noticeable surge in home renovations. As more individuals opt to work, unwind, and engage in leisure activities at home, many homeowners are leaning towards remodeling their spaces instead of relocating to achieve their ideal home. This trend raises the question: why not extend these improvements to the outdoor areas, specifically the family backyard?
A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation reveals that a significant majority of Americans with yards (76 percent) consider their outdoor spaces among the most vital aspects of their homes. The increasing focus on backyard design underscores the importance of treating these areas with the same level of consideration as the indoor spaces.
“Enhancing your backyard can boost your property’s value if you choose to sell in the future. However, it is equally important to make modifications that will enhance your current enjoyment of the space,” states Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which promotes the importance of caring for and enjoying green spaces, both in backyards and community parks.
Kiser shares his personal enthusiasm for his newly revamped backyard, noting, “By incorporating aspects of our indoor living outdoors, it feels as if we’ve expanded our home simply by maximizing our outdoor area.”
If you’ve already tackled renovations inside your home—like fresh paint, new flooring, or upgraded appliances—consider extending your improvements to your backyard. How can you transform your “outdoor living room” to better serve your family while simultaneously giving your home a fresh feel?
Here are seven ideas from the TurfMutt Foundation to help you transition home renovations outdoors:
• Updating indoor flooring = enhancing yard aesthetics and turf quality.
Your lawn serves as the foundation for your outdoor living area. Improve the existing turf by overseeding or aerating, or lay down new sod for a fresh start. Clear out flower beds and debris throughout your yard, then implement additional features from this clean slate. Utilize outdoor power tools, such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, or leaf blowers, to make substantial tasks easier.
• Repainting indoor spaces = planting flowers to invite and nurture wildlife.
Similar to how new paint can revitalize a room, planting flowers can dramatically upgrade your yard. Opt for native plants that thrive in your specific climate—they’re beneficial for the ecosystem and require less maintenance. Choosing native perennials means planting once and enjoying their blooms year after year, providing essential habitats and food for pollinators and other wildlife.
• Replacing household appliances = refreshing your outdoor power equipment.Choosing the right tools for your lawn’s size and condition can transform your yard care experience. With a variety of options available, consider robotic mowers that operate like a lawn-care Roomba, or lightweight, powerful battery-operated leaf blowers. For larger properties, zero-turn mowers or a utility vehicle may be advantageous.
• Updating furniture = developing high-functioning outdoor spaces.Maximizing your outdoor time necessitates thoughtful furniture choices tailored to your lifestyle. Think about what your family needs, whether it’s a picnic table for studying, a sectional for gatherings, a hammock for relaxation, or even an outdoor office to balance work and leisure.
• Kitchen upgrades = creating an outdoor cooking area.The possibilities for outdoor kitchens are vast. You might opt for a full setup with a grill, sink, and refrigerator, or keep it minimalist with just a cart and a quality grill for preparing meals outdoors.
• Home additions = designing a dedicated outdoor living area.If budget permits, think about adding a deck, hardscaped space, or screened porch, or simply maximize your existing yard. Consider features like a soccer field, fire pit, or illuminated string lights enhancing winter enjoyment. A pergola adorned with colorful vines may provide a lovely spot for summer days.
• Creating a game room inside = establishing activity areas outdoors.Transform your backyard into a social hub by designing zones that create fun for the entire family. Engage in games like cornhole, soccer, or giant checkers to help kids limit screen time. Outdoor spaces, such as patios or decks, can serve as the perfect venue for family game nights. If you’re feeling ambitious, adding a swimming pool can firmly establish your backyard as the favorite hangout for your children and their friends. Involving your family in this planning is essential, and planting shrubs or hedges can effectively delineate different activity zones within your yard.
For additional insights into the benefits of spending time in our yards and community parks, download the International Backyarding Fact Book.
About TurfMutt
TurfMutt, initiated by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation, has engaged over 70 million children, families, and educators since 2009. Collaborating with educational partners such as Discovery Education, Weekly Reader, and Scholastic, the program has empowered students and educators to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt is recognized as an official education partner of the US Green Building Council® (USGBC) and is featured in their global LEARNING LAB. The initiative has also provided educational resources for various federal and environmental organizations. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the prestigious Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award. Additionally, TurfMutt’s home habitat was showcased in the Wildlife Habitat Council calendars from 2017 to 2020. For further information, visit www.TurfMutt.com.
