By Debbi Mayster | Contributor
The concept of “backyarding”—which involves bringing indoor activities outside into our personal green spaces—is set to gain momentum in 2024, as reported by the TurfMutt Foundation. This organization promotes the significance of maintaining and utilizing green areas, which encompass our yards, public parks, and school grounds. The Foundation projects that the practice of “backyarding” will transition into a continuous sustainability effort next year.
“Homeowners are increasingly recognizing the environmental benefits of their yards and parks, which also enhance their overall health and well-being,” explains Kris Kiser, president and CEO of both the TurfMutt Foundation and its parent organization, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “As they make modifications to their outdoor spaces, homeowners are mindful of the advantages for their families, pets, and the planet as a whole.”
Looking ahead to 2024, the TurfMutt Foundation has identified the following ten trends in backyarding:
• Renovating Existing Spaces Instead of Relocating. Due to high interest rates and limited housing options, many homeowners are opting to renovate their current homes rather than moving. After enhancing their interiors, they are shifting their attention to customizing their backyards, creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living.
• Desiring Homes Close to Nature. Even those considering downsizing want to stay connected to green spaces. They understand that backyarding can flourish in yards of any size and are looking for easy access to community parks and other natural areas.
• Bringing Back Neighborhood Gatherings…in the Backyard. With significant investments in their outdoor areas, homeowners are now using these spaces to host neighborhood block parties, revitalizing community spirit.
• Transforming Backyards into Fun Retreats. Parents are seeking ways to encourage their children to step away from screens, while neighbors aim to socialize with friends. Homeowners are developing their backyards into entertainment hubs, from elaborate installations like pools and pickleball courts to simpler setups like grass spaces for cornhole or small soccer fields.
• Enhancing Care for Living Landscapes. As homeowners increasingly value their lawns, trees, and plants, they are dedicating more resources to their upkeep. This includes investing in DIY equipment and hiring professionals for tasks such as pruning, treating diseased trees, and revitalizing turfgrass.
• Preferring Natural Grass. The trend of replacing natural grass with synthetic alternatives is waning as people recognize the drawbacks of artificial turf, such as difficulty in cleaning, heat retention, and recycling challenges.
• Creating Pollinator-Friendly Gardens. Once a specific niche, cultivating gardens for pollinators is now widespread. Homeowners are increasingly aware of the critical role their backyards play in providing sustenance and shelter for pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bats throughout the year. They are now selecting plants that cater to these vital species.
• Incorporating Drought-Resistant Plants. Choosing plants suited for dry conditions is becoming popular among homeowners, especially in water-stressed regions. They are researching and selecting flora that will thrive in their specific environments.
• Diverse Material Usage. As outdoor living becomes integral to daily life, homeowners are mindfully designing coherent outdoor areas that harmonize landscaping with features like patios and natural elements such as trees and boulders.
• The Rise of Backyard Birdwatching. Birdwatching surged during the pandemic and has proven to be a sustained interest. It offers a calming way to connect with nature right in one’s backyard.
To stay informed, consider subscribing to Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter filled with backyarding insights and the latest updates from the TurfMutt Foundation here.
